Boston has declared a cold emergency through Sunday as dangerously low temperatures and winter storms move through the region. Wind chills are expected to drop to minus 10 degrees Friday night into Saturday, with heavy snow Sunday into Monday. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for much of southern New England, including Boston, forecasting 12 to 18 inches of snow and hazardous travel conditions.
The extreme cold and snow put residents, especially people experiencing homelessness, older adults, children, and those with health conditions, at serious risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Warming centers at BCYF locations and public libraries will be open during normal hours, while emergency shelters operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Outreach teams and police will check on unsheltered residents and help them access shelter.
Residents are advised to dress in layers, cover extremities, limit outdoor exposure, and watch for signs of frostbite or hypothermia. Property owners and tenants should maintain heating and protect pipes. Anyone encountering vulnerable individuals in the cold should call 911.
