Gray Skies and Chilly Mist: A Calmer Tuesday Before the Storm

Morning Commute and Early Conditions

Bostonians waking up this Tuesday, February 17, 2026, will find a damp and gray start to the day. Local meteorological reports indicate a minor weather event moving through the region during the early hours, bringing a mix of scattered snow showers and patches of freezing drizzle. While these conditions are enough to necessitate a quick defrost of the windshield, officials do not expect significant impacts on the Tuesday morning commute. Drivers should remain cautious of isolated slick spots, particularly on elevated surfaces and northeast of the city, where light coatings of frozen precipitation are most likely.

Afternoon Outlook: Cloudy and Chilly

As the morning mist tapers off, the remainder of the day will be characterized by persistent cloud cover and typical mid-February chill. Afternoon high temperatures are expected to settle in the upper 30s to near 40 degrees Fahrenheit. While these temperatures are relatively mild for the heart of winter, the lack of sunshine and a damp breeze will make it feel considerably cooler for those walking through the Financial District or along the Seaway. Humidity levels remain high, hovering around 84%, which will contribute to the heavy, overcast feel of the atmosphere throughout the afternoon hours.

Evening Transition and the Week Ahead

By Tuesday evening, the freezing drizzle will have long departed, leaving behind a dry but cloudy night. Temperatures are projected to dip into the upper 20s or low 30s as the city settles into a brief period of atmospheric calm. However, this tranquility is expected to be short-lived. The WBZ-TV Weather team has already issued a NEXT Weather Alert for Wednesday, as a more significant and complex storm system tracks toward New England. This upcoming system, described as a narrow corridor of rain and snow, is expected to bring more substantial accumulation and travel disruptions starting midday tomorrow.

• Morning: Scattered snow showers and freezing drizzle; lows near 28°F.
• Afternoon: Mostly cloudy with highs reaching 39°F to 40°F.
• Evening: Overcast skies with temperatures dropping to 30°F.
• Alerts: Minor icing risk this morning; major winter storm alert effective Wednesday.

Residents are encouraged to enjoy the relatively manageable conditions today and use the evening to prepare for the arrival of more impactful winter weather scheduled for the mid-week period. Ensure your snow removal equipment is ready and stay tuned for further updates as the Wednesday morning tracking becomes clearer.