Boston Braces for Windy, Sub-Freezing Temperatures This Week

BOSTON, Mass. — A frigid air mass has settled over the Boston area, bringing below-average temperatures and gusty winds that will persist through Thursday, according to meteorologists. The region is experiencing wind chills in the teens, with temperatures struggling to rise above freezing despite sunny skies.

As of Tuesday morning, Boston recorded temperatures around 30 degrees Fahrenheit, with Worcester at 24 degrees and Lawrence in the 20s. Wind chills, however, made it feel significantly colder, with most areas experiencing feels-like temperatures in the low 20s. Gusts of 20 to 30 mph are expected to continue through Wednesday afternoon, exacerbating the cold conditions.

“The wind is going to make it feel colder,” said a local meteorologist. “Even though temperatures might reach the freezing mark around noon, it won’t feel like it due to the wind chill.”

Overnight lows are predicted to drop into the teens and lower 20s, with wind chills plunging to single digits by Wednesday morning. Worcester, for example, could feel as cold as 2 degrees at 6 a.m. Wednesday.

The cold snap is attributed to a west-northwesterly wind pushing in behind a recent front, bringing dry but frigid air from the Midwest. Cities like Detroit and Chicago are experiencing sub-zero temperatures, while Minneapolis is also grappling with extreme cold.

By Thursday and Friday, winds are expected to ease, and temperatures will climb closer to seasonal averages, reaching the upper 30s. However, the weekend could bring unsettled weather, with light rain or a wintry mix possible on Saturday. Higher elevations and northern New England may see snow, while Sunday is expected to remain mostly dry.

Looking ahead, another low-pressure system could develop Sunday night into Monday, potentially bringing more snow to the region. “It’s a long way out, but we’re watching it closely,” the meteorologist added.

Residents are advised to dress warmly and prepare for prolonged cold conditions, with wind chills remaining a significant factor through midweek.