Massachusetts — Cold air cuts across the harbor this morning, rattling flags and stinging faces along city streets. Cars idle longer. Sidewalks glitter with frost. Winter has tightened its grip on eastern Massachusetts, and the next several days demand attention.
Early temperatures in Boston sit near 14 degrees, with wind chills dipping closer to zero at times. Gusty northwest winds keep the cold biting through the morning hours. Sunshine arrives later, but highs struggle into the low 20s, offering little relief for commuters or outdoor workers.
Road conditions remain mostly dry for now, but danger hides in the details. Any daytime melting refreezes quickly after sunset. That raises the risk for slick patches on bridges, ramps, and shaded stretches of I-93, Route 1, and neighborhood roads. Pedestrians should also watch for icy sidewalks and parking lots.
Cold holds firm through Friday. Overnight lows dip into the single digits, and Friday’s high stays near 19 degrees. The persistent chill is tied to a broader Arctic pattern reinforced by the Great Lakes, now nearly half frozen, allowing cold air to linger across the Northeast.
Attention then turns to the weekend. Meteorologists are tracking a system that could bring snow to Boston late Saturday night into Sunday. Snow may begin after midnight, with steadier snowfall possible Sunday morning. Accumulation remains uncertain, but cold pavement temperatures increase the likelihood of travel impacts.
Plan ahead if traveling this weekend. Slow down, especially early Sunday. Keep winter gear in your car. Dress in layers and limit time outdoors during the coldest periods. Conditions may change quickly as snow develops.
Looking ahead, early February trends show temperatures slowly moderating next week. Precipitation chances decrease after Sunday, but winter remains firmly in place.
Five-Day Outlook for Boston, Massachusetts
Today: Increasing clouds, high near 23
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, low near 6
Thursday: Mostly sunny, high near 23
Friday: Sunny, high near 19
Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 22, snow late
