Mass. Residents Warned of Dangerous Cold, Wind Chills Below Zero

MEMA urges people to limit time outdoors, dress warmly, and check on vulnerable neighbors as extreme cold grips the region.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 12:15pm

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The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is warning residents across the state to prepare for dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills between -15°F to -25°F on Friday morning. MEMA is advising people to limit time outdoors, dress in warm layers, cover exposed skin, and check on vulnerable neighbors as the extreme cold poses risks of hypothermia and frostbite.

Why it matters

The cold snap follows a prolonged stretch of winter weather that has already gripped New England, with temperatures well below seasonal averages. The extreme cold conditions raise concerns for the safety of unhoused residents, the elderly, and young children who are most vulnerable to the frigid temperatures.

The details

MEMA is urging residents to take steps to protect themselves and their homes, including ensuring household pipes are properly insulated to reduce the risk of frozen or burst pipes. The agency is also advising people to test their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as the cold weather increases the risk of home heating-related incidents.

  • The extreme cold is forecast for Thursday night into Friday morning.
  • Temperatures on Thursday morning ranged from near zero in the coldest inland spots to only the lower teens in much of the area, with afternoon highs climbing only into the low 20s.
  • Saturday may bring slightly higher temperatures, near 20 degrees, under increasing clouds, but the cold will persist at well below seasonal averages.

The players

MEMA

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, which is warning residents about the dangerous cold and urging them to take precautions.

Michelle Wu

The mayor of Boston, who has issued a cold weather advisory for the city through Saturday due to the freezing temperatures and risk of hypothermia and frostbite.

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What they’re saying

“As this stretch of winter weather continues with freezing temperatures and strong wind gusts through the rest of the week, we urge everyone to stay vigilant and take all necessary precautions.”

— Michelle Wu, Mayor of Boston (Boston Globe)

What’s next

MEMA is closely monitoring the weather conditions and will continue to provide updates and guidance to residents as the cold snap persists.

The takeaway

The extreme cold weather serves as a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness and looking out for vulnerable members of the community during harsh winter conditions. Residents should heed the warnings from MEMA and local officials to stay safe and limit exposure to the dangerously low temperatures and wind chills.