Cold Weather Advisory issued in Boston as extreme wind chills follow major snowstorm

Mayor Michelle Wu announced the advisory as the National Weather Service forecast wind chills dropping to as low as -21°C (−5°F) overnight into Saturday. City officials said the prolonged cold increases the risk of snow freezing into ice, creating hazardous conditions for pedestrians and vehicles if snow is not cleared promptly.

The City of Boston issues a cold advisory when one or more days of observed wind chill at or below 0°F (−18°C) are expected. While current forecasts do not meet the threshold for declaring a cold emergency, officials warned that exposure to extreme cold increases the risk of hypothermia and frostbite, particularly among people experiencing homelessness, older adults, young children, and individuals with underlying health conditions.

The cold weather follows a major winter storm that occurred primarily on Sunday, January 25, and into Monday, January 26, dropping approximately 58 cm (23 inches) of snow across Boston, ranking as the city’s eighth-largest snowfall on record.

The all-time record snowfall for a single storm in Boston remains 70 cm (27.6 inches) during the Presidents’ Day Blizzard of February 2003.

At the height of the storm, the Public Works Department deployed more than 900 pieces of equipment to treat and clear streets across all neighborhoods.

Although primary roadways have been cleared, snowplowing and roadway treatment operations remain ongoing as residents continue to remove snow around parked vehicles and private property. City officials said space savers must be removed by Wednesday evening, with enforcement and removal beginning Thursday as part of regular trash collection.

Public Works crews are working to improve visibility at intersections and ensure safe access to crosswalks and curb ramps, as snowbanks may obstruct sightlines for both drivers and pedestrians. The department continues to coordinate with Boston Public Schools to ensure bus routes remain accessible.

To create additional space at key intersections and remove large snow accumulations, overnight snow removal operations using heavy equipment are scheduled from 22:00–05:00 local time (LT). Snow may be transported from streets to off-road locations during these operations.

City officials urged residents to take precautions during the cold spell, including checking on older adults, people with disabilities, and individuals experiencing homelessness. Residents were advised to call 911 if they encounter someone outdoors who appears immobile, disoriented, or inadequately dressed for the cold, or if they are aware of anyone staying in a vehicle or location not intended for habitation.

Boston Public Health Commission emergency shelters remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When temperatures fall below freezing at 0°C (32°F), amnesty is in place for individuals with nonviolent restrictions. Men can access shelter at the Southampton Street Shelter, while women are directed to the Woods Mullen Shelter. Street outreach teams are operating with extended hours and deploying mobile outreach vans during the cold weather period.

Boston Centers for Youth & Families facilities will remain open Tuesday through Saturday during normal operating hours. Residents may also seek daytime warming at the Boston Public Library’s Central Library in Copley Square and all branch locations during regular hours.

City officials reiterated heating requirements under the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code, which mandates minimum indoor temperatures of 20°C (68°F) between 07:00 and 23:00 and 18°C (64°F) overnight during the heating season, which runs from September 15 through June 15. Residents experiencing heating issues were advised to contact property owners or file a complaint through 311 if problems persist.

Additional guidance was issued regarding heating safety, frozen pipes, and carbon monoxide risks. Residents were urged to avoid using grills or stoves for heating, maintain working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and take preventive measures to reduce the risk of frozen pipes during prolonged cold conditions.

Residents were encouraged to sign up for Alert Boston for cold-weather updates and advisories.

References:

¹ Mayor Wu Urges Caution as Bitter Cold Weather Remains Through Saturday – City of Boston – January 28, 2026

Reet Kaur

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

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