Dangerous Cold Continues as Potential Nor'easter Looms for Boston Area

Frigid temperatures, gusty winds, and potential for accumulating snow this weekend

Jan. 29, 2026 at 2:39pm

The Boston area is bracing for a prolonged period of dangerous cold weather, with sub-zero wind chills expected through the end of the workweek. Attention is also turning to a potential coastal storm system that could bring accumulating snow, gusty winds, and coastal impacts to eastern and southeastern New England on Sunday into Sunday night.

Why it matters

The extreme cold and potential winter storm could disrupt daily life, impact transportation, and pose risks to public safety, especially for vulnerable populations. Coastal communities may also face flooding and beach erosion concerns.

The details

Actual temperatures are forecast to drop to around zero degrees at the coast and below zero inland on Friday night into Saturday. The cold air is expected to linger into early next week, keeping any new snow firmly in place. As for the potential weekend storm, a Winter Storm Watch has already been issued for Cape Cod and the Islands, where plowable snow is possible. The storm could also bring gusty winds and overlap with high tides, raising concerns for minor to moderate coastal flooding and beach erosion.

  • Dangerous cold will continue through the end of the workweek, with sub-zero wind chills expected tonight into Friday morning.
  • Actual temperatures are forecast to drop to around zero degrees at the coast and below zero inland on Friday night into Saturday.
  • A potential coastal storm is expected to impact the region on Sunday into Sunday night.

The players

Boston

The major city in Massachusetts that is bracing for the dangerous cold and potential winter storm.

Cape Cod and the Islands

Coastal regions of southeastern Massachusetts that are under a Winter Storm Watch and face the highest risk of accumulating snow, gusty winds, and coastal impacts from the potential weekend storm.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Meteorologists will continue to monitor the potential coastal storm and provide updates on the expected track, timing, and potential impacts over the next couple of days.

The takeaway

The Boston area is facing a prolonged period of dangerously cold weather, with the potential for a significant winter storm this weekend that could bring accumulating snow, gusty winds, and coastal flooding concerns. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions to stay safe and protected during these extreme conditions.