City Notice: Boston Declares Cold Emergency and Council Rule Deliberations

Cold Emergency Declaration and Safety Protocols

Mayor Michelle Wu has officially elevated the city's weather status to a Cold Emergency, effective through Saturday, January 31, 2026. With wind chill temperatures forecasted to drop as low as -11 degrees, residents are urged to limit time outdoors and take immediate safety precautions to prevent hypothermia and frostbite. This elevation from a standard advisory activates additional city resources to protect vulnerable populations.

• Warming Centers: Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) locations are open as warming centers during normal operating hours to provide a safe environment for residents.
• Emergency Shelters: The Boston Public Health Commission’s emergency shelters at 112 Southampton Street for men and the Woods Mullen Shelter for women are operating 24 hours a day. Amnesty is currently in place for individuals with non-violent restrictions to ensure everyone has access to warmth.
• Health Safety: Residents should dress in multiple layers of loose-fitting, water-repellent clothing. It is critical to check on elderly neighbors and people with disabilities. If you see someone experiencing homelessness in the cold, please call 911 for immediate assistance.

City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting

The Boston City Council Committee of the Whole is scheduled to meet today, Friday, January 30, 2026, at 2:00 PM. This meeting is a critical step in finalizing the governance structure for the current legislative session.

• Topic: The committee will deliberate on the adoption of permanent rules for the Boston City Council for the 2026-2027 municipal years, identified as Docket #0157.
• Participation: The session, sponsored by Council President Liz Breadon, will be held in the Curley Room on the fifth floor of Boston City Hall. It is also accessible to the public virtually via Zoom.

Public Service and Infrastructure Updates

In response to recent weather conditions and regional logistics, several city services have updated their schedules for Friday:

• Trash and Recycling: Collections are experiencing delays in several neighborhoods this week. Residents are encouraged to leave their bins out but should expect pick-ups to be later than usual.
• Street Cleaning: All overnight street cleaning operations have been officially canceled for Friday, January 30, to accommodate weather-related road conditions.
• Transportation: The FAA has issued advisories for gusty winds at Logan International Airport. Travelers should anticipate departure delays ranging from 30 to 90 minutes throughout the day.

State Executive Order on Resident Protections

Governor Maura Healey has issued a new Executive Order effective as of Thursday night, prohibiting the use of state resources to facilitate civil immigration arrests. The order specifically aims to safeguard sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, and courthouses, ensuring that state-funded facilities remain safe and accessible for all residents regardless of status.