Boston, Massachusetts — A sharp and unseasonable cold snap will move into Massachusetts early Friday, May 8, bringing freezing overnight temperatures, gusty winds, and damp conditions that will directly impact travel and outdoor activity across Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Cambridge, and Lowell.
According to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, temperatures will trend 50–60% below normal through the period, with the coldest stretch arriving late Friday night into early Saturday. The most significant window runs from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m. Saturday, when temperatures near or below freezing are likely across much of eastern and central Massachusetts.
The cold will translate into real impacts quickly. Frost could form on exposed surfaces, including bridges along I-90 and elevated ramps on I-95, creating slick spots during early morning travel. Sensitive plants face damage, while construction and early-shift workers will deal with near-freezing conditions more typical of early spring than mid-May.
At the same time, steady rain and periods of drizzle will reduce visibility and create pooling on roadways. Low-lying stretches near the Charles River, along Storrow Drive, and flood-prone underpasses in Boston could see water buildup within minutes during heavier showers.
Winds will strengthen Saturday into Sunday, with gusts up to 35 mph capable of knocking down small branches and causing isolated power outages, especially in suburban areas around Worcester and Lowell.
Drivers should reduce speed on wet roads, especially before sunrise when frost may be present, and secure loose outdoor items ahead of the weekend winds.
The highest risk for combined travel hazards and cold exposure peaks early Saturday morning between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m.
