If you thought winter was over, think again! Boston is about to experience a dramatic weather shift as an arctic front sweeps in, sending temperatures plummeting and bringing dangerously cold wind chills. After a mild Saturday, the city is waking up to a frigid reality, with temperatures that feel more like the dead of winter than early March.
A Sudden & Severe Drop in Temperatures
As of this morning, Boston is waking up to sunny but brutally cold conditions. The actual temperature is hovering around 18°F (-8°C), but with the wind chill, it feels as low as 1°F (-17°C). Winds are whipping through the city at 23 mph, with gusts up to 33 mph, making the cold even more biting. Saturday’s mild weather, which saw temperatures climb into the 50s, is now a distant memory as the city braces for some of the coldest air we’ve seen in weeks.
What’s Coming Next?
The bitter cold is here to stay—at least for the next couple of days. Here’s what to expect:
- Sunday, March 2: The sun will be out, but don’t let that fool you. Highs will only reach 28°F (-2°C), and with gusty winds, it will feel much colder.
- Sunday Night: Lows will drop to 13°F (-11°C) under mostly clear skies. Winds will continue to make it feel much colder than the actual temperature.
- Monday, March 3: Another chilly day ahead, but slightly better. Expect a high of 31°F (-1°C) with sunny skies. The winds will finally start to calm down.
- Tuesday, March 4: A noticeable warm-up begins! Temperatures will climb to 48°F (9°C), with a mix of sun and clouds.
- Wednesday, March 5: A major shift in the weather pattern. Rain moves in, and temperatures surge to 56°F (13°C), though strong southerly winds could make conditions blustery.
Why This Sudden Weather Change?
This extreme shift is due to an arctic cold front that pushed down from Canada, causing temperatures to plummet overnight. However, as fast as the cold arrived, it won’t last long. A strong southerly flow will take over by midweek, replacing the deep freeze with much milder air.
How to Stay Safe in This Extreme Cold
With temperatures this low, frostbite can occur within minutes, and hypothermia is a serious risk. Here’s what you should do:
- Limit time outdoors and wear layers if you must go outside.
- Cover exposed skin to prevent frostbite—especially your hands, face, and ears.
- Keep pets indoors as they can suffer from frostbite just like humans.
- Check on elderly neighbors or those without proper heating.
Boston’s weather is in full chaos mode this week—starting with bitter cold, then swinging into near-spring-like conditions. If you’re heading out today or tomorrow, bundle up and be prepared for the biting wind chills. And if you’re sick of the cold, hold on—by midweek, the warm-up will be well underway.