The Great Dig-Out: Bright Skies and Bitter Cold Grip Boston
The Great Dig-Out: Bright Skies and Bitter Cold Grip Boston
Bostonians are waking up to a transformed landscape this Tuesday, January 27, 2026, as the city begins the monumental task of digging out from under the massive weight of Winter Storm Fern. While the heavy snowfall that dominated the start of the week has finally pulled offshore, it has left behind a biting arctic chill and nearly 20 inches of fresh snow. Today’s weather will be a study in contrasts: brilliant, blinding sunshine paired with some of the coldest temperatures the region has seen so far this winter.
Morning: A Frigid Start for the Cleanup
The morning hours will be particularly brutal for those heading out to clear driveways or sidewalks. Temperatures are hovering in the single digits, with an overnight low of 9°F recorded at Logan International Airport. However, the real story is the wind chill; the National Weather Service has warned that values will dip between 0°F and -10°F through the early hours. Due to these dangerous conditions and the ongoing cleanup efforts, Boston Public Schools are closed today. While the city's snow emergency and parking ban were officially lifted at 8:00 p.m. last night, officials are urging residents to exercise extreme caution on treated surfaces, as black ice remains a significant hazard during the early commute.
Afternoon: Sunny Skies and Freezing Peaks
As the day progresses, the clouds will give way to mostly clear, sunny skies. Despite the abundance of January sunshine, there will be little in the way of natural melting. The afternoon high is expected to reach only 21°F, which is well below the seasonal average for late January. Light northwest winds will continue to make the air feel significantly colder than the thermometer suggests. For those working outdoors on snow removal, it is essential to dress in multiple layers and limit skin exposure to prevent frostbite, as the city remains trapped in a deep freeze.
Evening: Clearing and Coastal Hazards
The evening will remain clear and quiet, though temperatures will quickly plummet back into the single digits shortly after sunset. While the inland areas remain dry, the situation on the water is more volatile. Several marine warnings are currently in effect for the Massachusetts coastline, including:
- A Gale Warning for all coastal waters with gusts reaching up to 40 knots.
- A Freezing Spray Advisory, as the combination of sub-freezing air and high winds creates hazardous conditions for local vessels.
- Continuing Cold Weather Advisories for the entire Boston metropolitan area through Wednesday morning.
Looking ahead, the city will remain in a deep freeze for the remainder of the week, with temperatures staying below the freezing mark at least through Saturday. Residents are encouraged to check on elderly neighbors and ensure that pets are kept indoors during this prolonged stretch of dangerous cold. Snow space savers must be removed by Wednesday evening, 48 hours after the end of the emergency declaration.