Boston braces for bitter wind chills and possible snow late week in January 20 forecast
Cold air dominates Tuesday, with a brief midweek rebound before a sharper weekend chill
Boston’s midday weather outlook for Tuesday, January 20, points to a cold, mostly dry day across eastern Massachusetts, with wind adding an extra bite to temperatures. Forecasters expect the chill to linger into Tuesday night before a gradual moderation begins Wednesday.
The midweek pattern is expected to shift as winds ease and turn, allowing temperatures to recover somewhat. Thursday is projected to be the warmest day of the stretch, with readings capable of reaching the lower 40s in parts of eastern Massachusetts before colder air returns late Thursday into Friday.
Wind chill and travel impacts: what changes and when
While significant snowfall is not the headline for Tuesday, the combination of low temperatures and gusty winds raises the risk of fast heat loss for anyone outdoors for long periods, particularly early and late in the day. A lighter wind later Tuesday may reduce the worst wind chill values, but cold conditions are expected to persist through the night.
By Wednesday night, a small window opens for spotty precipitation. Current signals support the chance of light snow showers or a light wintry mix overnight, with limited accumulation expected if it develops. Any brief slick spots would be most likely late Wednesday night into early Thursday, especially on untreated surfaces.
Tuesday (Jan. 20): Mostly sunny to fair skies, cold air, and gusty winds producing single-digit wind chills at times.
Wednesday (Jan. 21): Temperatures begin edging upward late day into night; a chance of light snow or mixed showers overnight.
Thursday (Jan. 22): Milder temperatures possible before a late-day or nighttime turn toward colder air.
Friday into the weekend (Jan. 23–24): Colder air builds back in, with weekend highs expected to struggle in the teens.
Watching a larger storm track to the south
Beyond the local day-to-day forecast, meteorologists are monitoring a broader winter storm expected to affect parts of the southern and eastern United States later this week and into the weekend. The system is projected to bring a mix of snow, sleet, and damaging ice in portions of the South and Mid-Atlantic, with uncertainty about how far north meaningful precipitation could extend.
Forecast confidence is higher on the return of dangerously cold air late week than on how much, if any, snow reaches southern New England.
What residents can do now
With the coldest air of the season expected to arrive this weekend, residents should plan for weather-sensitive routines—particularly early-morning commutes, outdoor work, and time spent outside. If light snow or mixed showers materialize Wednesday night, brief slick travel conditions are possible, but the primary concern remains the cold and wind exposure heading into the weekend.