Weather

What to know about the ‘brutally cold’ temperatures arriving in Mass. this week

Forecasters say the short-lived cold snap will arrive Friday and early Saturday.

Boston and the region are in for some cold temperatures later this week. Craig F. Walker / The Boston Globe

January 30, 2023

Forecasters are warning that a short-lived cold snap will arrive in Massachusetts late Friday and early Saturday, bringing sub-zero temperatures to parts of the region.

“Brutally cold airmass arrives for a 24-hour period late Friday into Saturday, with the potential to drop temperatures below zero for many,” the National Weather Service said. “Chance for some ocean-effect snow showers across portions of eastern [Massachusetts] as well, especially across the outer Cape. Temperatures rebound quickly for the second half of this weekend.”

So far, the forecasters said it appears the cold air will begin creeping into the region sometime Thursday night into Friday, with the peak cold occurring overnight Friday into Saturday when low temperatures in the single digits, both above and below zero, are possible.

The wind chill could make it feel even colder.

In Boston, forecasters are predicting the minimum temperature could drop to -3 on Saturday, with a high in the forecast of just 12 degrees.

Rather quiet weather this week, once we get past the scattered showers later today into tonight. The big story will be the arrival of arctic air Fri night into Sat night. Low temps in the single digits both above and below zero are possible Sat morning. Even lower wind chills. pic.twitter.com/YZ85hqXyrN
— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) January 30, 2023

“As an early notice, southern New Englanders should consider taking action to prepare for this shot of cold air, including making contingency plans for any livestock or animals that reside outside,” the service said.

The temperatures are likely to rebound on Sunday, according to the service.