This freeze runs deep
Wind chill readings could drop to -20 across region
Get those handwarmers, ski gloves and extra socks at the ready. It’s about to be wicked cold.
The Bay State is bracing for an arctic blast that will deliver dangerous wind chills today as meteorologists and local officials urge people to limit their time outside and bundle all the way up if they must face the elements.
Some parts of the region could battle wind chills as low as 20 below zero.
“It’s our first widespread cold event of the season, so it might come as a bit of a shock,” said Bill Simpson, meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Boston office. “A pretty rude awakening … People definitely need to dress accordingly.”
The cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Meteorologists are also warning people that brutal wind chills can spark hypothermia if they’re not careful.
All Boston Public Schools buildings will be closed today because of the extreme cold temps.
“As temperatures plummet tonight, please take precautions to protect yourself & neighbors,” Mayor Michelle Wu tweeted. “Check in on older adults, people with disabilities & those experiencing housing insecurity. If you see individuals in the cold who appear immobile, disoriented or underdressed, call 911.”
Temps haven’t been this frigid since January 2019.
The high temp this afternoon in Boston is expected to be around 12 degrees. Wind chills in the city could dip as low as 10 below zero.
“Keep pets indoors, limit time outside, watch for signs of frostbite, check on neighbors, & use alternate heat sources safely,” the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency tweeted.
With the bitter cold temps on the way, State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey on Monday urged residents to “Keep Warm, Keep Safe,” and avoid fire and carbon monoxide hazards while heating their homes this week.
“Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are your first line of defense,” Ostroskey said in a statement. “They should be installed on every floor of the residence and tested monthly to be sure they’re working properly. If an alarm is ‘chirping’ due to low batteries, replace the batteries right away — don’t disable the alarm. If the alarm is more than 10 years old, it’s time to replace it.”
Space heaters should be kept at least three feet from curtains, bedding, and anything else that can burn, the state fire marshal added.
“Plug them directly into a wall socket, not an extension cord or a power strip, and remember that they’re for temporary use,” he said. “Always turn a space heater off when you leave the room or go to sleep.”
The cold snap should only stick around for about 36 hours, according to Simpson at the National Weather Service.
“It will be a relatively short period, so that’s the good news,” he said, adding that temps should climb into the mid-30s on Wednesday.