A Sunny Surge: Boston Hits 42 Degrees Ahead of Incoming Arctic Siege

A Mild Thursday Surge

Residents of Boston are waking up to a surprisingly gentle January morning as temperatures surge above seasonal norms. While the early hours started with overcast skies and a temperature of 37°F—feeling more like 29°F with the wind chill—the outlook for the rest of Thursday, January 22, 2026, is one of clarity and relative warmth. Highs are expected to reach a comfortable 42°F, providing a brief window of relief for commuters and outdoor workers before a dramatic shift in the regional weather pattern begins tonight.

Hourly Breakdown: From Morning Clouds to Evening Chill

• Morning: The day began with heavy cloud cover and humidity levels near 73%. As the morning progresses, these clouds are expected to break, leading to a transition toward clearer, sunnier conditions by noon.
• Afternoon: Expect mostly sunny skies for the bulk of the afternoon. This period represents the peak of today's warm-up. With the mercury hitting 42°F, it is an ideal time to handle outdoor tasks or clear lingering ice from walkways before the deep freeze of the weekend takes hold.
• Evening and Night: Following sunset, the temperature will begin a steady and sharp descent. Forecasters anticipate a low of approximately 23°F under partly cloudy skies. While tonight's chill is manageable, the cooling trend is a precursor to the arrival of a much harsher Arctic airmass arriving tomorrow.

  Wind Gusts and Safety Notices

  While today is precipitation-free, the National Weather Service and local meteorologists have highlighted gusty conditions. West winds are expected to blow steadily between 9 and 13 mph, but periodic gusts could reach between 22 and 35 mph throughout the day. Residents are advised to secure lightweight outdoor items, such as trash bins or patio furniture, as these gusts can be deceptively strong in urban wind tunnels and open coastal areas.

  The Arctic Front Looms

  The relatively pleasant conditions of this Thursday serve as the calm before a significant winter event. A NEXT Weather Alert has already been highlighted for the upcoming weekend, as a monster storm and a surge of Arctic air move toward New England. While today remains dry, a major winter storm is forecast to arrive Sunday morning, potentially dropping a foot of snow or more across the city through Monday. Furthermore, dangerously cold wind chills are expected to arrive as early as Friday night, with temperatures on Saturday struggling to even reach the teens. Use today’s sun and 40-degree warmth to ensure your home and vehicles are prepared for the high-stakes winter weather arriving in less than 48 hours.