Boston Braces for Arctic Blast After Brief Warmup

Forecasters warn of dangerous wind chills and hazardous conditions this weekend.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 1:15pm

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Boston and surrounding areas in eastern Massachusetts will see a brief respite from extreme cold this week, with temperatures climbing into the upper 30s and low 40s. However, forecasters warn that another round of arctic air is expected to arrive by next weekend, bringing bitter wind chills and hazardous conditions.

Why it matters

The upcoming arctic blast could pose risks for frostbite with prolonged outdoor exposure, and the extreme cold can also affect vehicles and increase the risk of breakdowns. Residents are urged to prepare by checking heating systems and insulating exposed pipes.

The details

According to the National Weather Service Boston, the warmer temperatures are expected to last through midweek, particularly on Wednesday and Thursday. However, forecasters say another arctic blast is likely to arrive this weekend, accompanied by strong winds that could drive wind chill values back into the single digits or below zero, especially overnight and during the early morning hours.

  • Temperatures will trend warmer than recent days through midweek.
  • Another arctic blast is likely to arrive this weekend.

The players

National Weather Service Boston

The local office of the National Weather Service that provides weather forecasts and warnings for the Boston metropolitan area.

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What’s next

Weather officials recommend monitoring forecasts closely as the weekend approaches, as timing and intensity of the arctic air could still shift.

The takeaway

Residents should use the warmer stretch this week to prepare for the upcoming arctic blast by checking heating systems, insulating exposed pipes, and limiting outdoor exposure during the coldest periods. Drivers should also be cautious, as extreme cold can affect vehicles and increase the risk of breakdowns.