New England is preparing for a significant drop in temperatures as an influx of Arctic air heads into the region on Thursday. This incoming cold front, driven by the polar vortex, is expected to result in temperatures plummeting to their lowest levels of the season, with readings ranging 20 to 30 degrees below normal.
The day will start off relatively temperate, with Greater Boston experiencing partly cloudy skies. However, as the front approaches, clouds will thicken, and late morning into the afternoon will see a broken line of snow squalls moving through. These rapid bursts of heavy snowfall can severely reduce visibility, particularly for those out on the roads, so drivers are advised to remain vigilant and monitor weather alerts.
As temperatures begin to drop in the afternoon, the region will quickly transition from the 30s down into the 20s, ultimately falling to the teens and even below zero overnight. Wind gusts of up to 30 mph will exacerbate the cold, creating severe wind chill conditions that could feel as low as -10 degrees in some areas. In Greater Boston, overnight lows are anticipated to dip to between 10 and 12 degrees.
The polar vortex, which consists of a strong band of winds that traps frigid air in the stratosphere, has recently become unstable, allowing colder air to shift southward. This pattern can lead to sharp climate shifts, as seen in previous weeks around Thanksgiving when similar Arctic blasts affected the region.
Fortunately, the extreme cold is not expected to linger for long. While Friday morning will present dangerously low temperatures—with some areas experiencing single-digit lows—a gradual warming trend is anticipated heading into the weekend. However, residents should brace for another round of cold air coming at the start of the following week.
As New England experiences this intense winter weather, forecasters warn of potential snow squalls along with the approaching cold front. Snowfall could accumulate to about an inch in some locations, while the distinctive squalls—akin to winter thunderstorms—can create sudden and severe weather changes.
Temperature forecasts highlight the need for caution as schools and workers prepare for a very chilly start to Friday. Despite the impending cold snap, the forecast suggests improvement after the weekend, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the challenging winter conditions that New England is set to face.