Boston, MA – Massachusetts and New Hampshire are preparing for a significant arctic outbreak that is expected to bring dangerous wind chills approaching minus 30 degrees this weekend.
According to the NOAA National Weather Service and Weather Prediction Center, frigid air combined with strong winds will spread across New England beginning Friday evening. The coldest conditions are expected from late Friday night through Sunday morning, with wind chill values dropping into the minus 20s to near minus 30 degrees across much of the region.
In Massachusetts, including Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and Lowell, overnight temperatures are forecast to fall into the single digits and below zero. Gusty northwest winds will push wind chills well below zero, creating hazardous conditions even during daytime hours. Similar conditions are expected across New Hampshire, including Manchester, Concord, Nashua, and Portsmouth.
Daytime high temperatures over the weekend are forecast to remain in the teens or lower, offering little relief from the cold. Wind chills may remain below zero throughout much of Saturday and Sunday, particularly in higher elevations and exposed areas.
Travel impacts are possible along major corridors including I-93, I-95, I-90 (Mass Pike), I-89, and I-293. While widespread snowfall is not the main concern, brief snow squalls or blowing snow could lead to sudden visibility reductions, especially on elevated roadways, bridges, and open stretches of highway.
The National Weather Service warns that frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 10 to 15 minutes under these conditions. The extreme cold may also strain heating systems and increase the risk of frozen pipes and localized power disruptions.
Commuters, students, delivery drivers, and outdoor workers are urged to limit time outdoors, dress in multiple layers, and plan ahead for hazardous cold conditions. Pet owners should ensure animals remain indoors during the coldest periods.
A gradual warming trend is expected early next week, though temperatures are forecast to remain below seasonal averages.
