Arctic Cold and Major Storm to Hit This Weekend: Timeline Revealed
New England is bracing for an intense cold wave and significant snowfall this weekend as Arctic air descends upon the region. The temperatures are expected to plunge as much as 30 degrees below the seasonal average. Residents are advised to prepare for dangerously low wind chills and the potential for frostbite.
Timeline of the Arctic Cold and Major Storm
Friday – Arrival of Icy Cold Air
- Morning: Temperatures start in the low to mid-20s, with a peak around the low 30s in Greater Boston before noon.
- Afternoon: Highs drop throughout the afternoon, falling into the teens. Light snow showers may occur in Northern New England.
- Evening: Frigid air settles in with temperatures dropping into the single digits across Northern New England.
Saturday – Bone-Chilling Cold Intensifies
- Morning: Expect single-digit temperatures in Boston, with conditions feeling even colder due to wind chill.
- Afternoon: Highs struggle to reach the mid-teens in Boston while northern areas remain in the single digits.
- Evening: Temperatures drop to single digits again with wind chills potentially reaching the negatives.
Sunday – Major Snowstorm Approaches
- 7 a.m. to 1 p.m: Morning temperatures remain in the single digits, with major snowfall expected to begin in the afternoon.
- 1 p.m. to 7 p.m: Heavy snow begins across Southern New England, with temperatures rising into the low 20s in Greater Boston.
- Evening: Snow continues overnight with increasing wind gusts, resulting in low wind chill values.
Monday – Cold and Snow Persistence
The cold spell and snow accumulation will continue into Monday. While snowfall intensity may decrease, accumulating snow is still expected. Temperatures will struggle to reach the mid-20s.
Safety Precautions
Residents are advised to limit outdoor exposure, especially with skin exposed, due to the risk of frostbite. It’s also important to consider the safety of pets, especially their paws on icy surfaces.
Weather Alerts
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Watch impacting Western Massachusetts, Vermont, and parts of New Hampshire and Maine. Wind chills could fall to as low as 40 degrees below zero, prompting attention for safety and preparedness.
