Boston Frozen in Sunlight: Arctic Winds and Sub-Zero Chills Grip the City

Boston Frozen in Sunny Splendor as Temperatures Plummet

Bostonians waking up this Friday, January 30, 2026, are being greeted by a striking paradox: brilliant sunshine paired with some of the most dangerous cold the region has seen this winter season. While the sky remains deep blue and clear of clouds, an Arctic air mass has firmly settled over New England, prompting urgent safety warnings for all residents and commuters within the Greater Boston area.

Morning: Cold Weather Advisory in Effect

The National Weather Service has issued a Cold Weather Advisory for the city, which remains in effect until 11:00 AM this morning. Early travelers will face actual air temperatures hovering near a bone-chilling 1°F. However, the primary concern is the wind chill. Sustained West winds ranging from 8 to 11 mph, with occasional gusts reaching 21 mph, are pushing wind chill values as low as -13°F. At these extreme levels, frostbite can occur on exposed skin in less than 30 minutes. Lead meteorologists emphasize that heavy layers, insulated gloves, and face coverings are not just recommended but essential for anyone heading outdoors before noon.

Afternoon: Bright Skies Offer No Warmth

As the day progresses into the afternoon hours, the sun will remain a constant fixture in the sky, providing a deceptive appearance of a pleasant day. Despite the high levels of solar radiation, the projected high temperature for today is expected to peak at a mere 16°F at Logan International Airport. This is significantly below the historical average for late January, keeping the city in a deep freeze. The air remains exceptionally dry with humidity levels near 53%, which is typical for the polar high-pressure system currently dominating the regional weather pattern.

A Looming Coastal Threat and Sunday Outlook

While the city remains dry today, the weather desk is monitoring a powerful nor'easter currently impacting the Southeast coast. This system is responsible for the reinforcement of the frigid air currently over Massachusetts. Although today is clear, the National Weather Service has already issued a Coastal Flood Watch beginning Sunday morning, February 1. As that storm tracks toward the northeast, residents should prepare for a shift from today's dry cold to a more turbulent mix of wind and potential coastal inundation later in the weekend.

Evening and Overnight Forecast

The mercury is predicted to drop rapidly once the sun sets at 5:51 PM. Friday evening will remain mostly clear, which allows for maximum radiational cooling. Overnight lows are forecast to dip to approximately -1°F in downtown Boston, while inland suburbs could see even lower readings. Residents are advised to take the following precautions:

• Limit outdoor exposure while the Cold Weather Advisory is active.
• Check on neighbors, particularly the elderly, to ensure heating systems are operational.
• Ensure that all household pets are kept indoors and protected from the freezing ground.
• Be cautious of "black ice" on shaded sidewalks where previous snow melt may have refrozen.