After experiencing the first significant snowfall of the season on Tuesday, residents of Massachusetts should brace themselves for an early-season Arctic front heading toward the Boston area. A cold front is expected to sweep through New England on Thursday afternoon, bringing the coldest temperatures seen since last winter.
As the front moves in, scattered snow squalls may make an appearance, potentially dusting the roads between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Following the frontal passage, frigid air will surge into the region, causing temperatures to plummet from daytime highs in the 30s to single digits overnight.
Along with the intense cold, a bout of very gusty northwest winds is predicted, with peak gusts ranging from 20 to 40 mph. This strong wind will create a wind chill effect, leading to feels-like temperatures plunging between -10 and 10 degrees Thursday night.
For commuters, Friday morning will be particularly chilly, with temperatures expected to vary from the teens in southeastern Massachusetts to slightly below zero for areas north and west of Boston. While the winds will begin to ease, they will still contribute to an even colder feel in the air.
The upcoming Friday will be defined by consistently low temperatures, remaining below freezing with highs only reaching the 20s across much of southern New England. Fortunately, a slight rebound is on the horizon, with temperatures projected to rise into the mid-30s by Saturday, although this remains about 10 degrees below the seasonal average.
This cold snap might just be the beginning, as weather patterns suggest a series of cold fronts over the next week to ten days, with another frigid blast anticipated on Monday and potentially a third wave by the end of the week. Residents are encouraged to prepare accordingly for the upcoming cold weather, which, while severe, can be managed with proper precautions.