New England — A fresh surge of bitter cold air is sweeping across New England, bringing gusty winds, dangerous wind chills, and scattered snow squalls as residents brace for another stretch of harsh winter weather. The National Weather Service has issued multiple snow squall warnings and winter storm alerts across the region, urging drivers and commuters to remain cautious as conditions deteriorate.
Snow Squall and Winter Storm Warnings Issued
Weather alerts are currently active across parts of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, where fast-moving snow squalls may suddenly reduce visibility and create icy road conditions. Meanwhile, sections of Maine remain under winter storm warnings as heavier snowfall continues to impact travel.
Snow squalls are particularly hazardous because they develop rapidly and can catch drivers off guard. Visibility may drop to near zero within minutes, increasing the risk of accidents on highways and local roads.
Winds Strengthen Through the Afternoon
By Friday afternoon, winds across New England are expected to increase noticeably. While this wind event will not be as intense as the powerful windstorm earlier this week, gusts between 30 and 40 mph are still forecast across much of the region.
Meteorologists note that it is not just the wind speed that matters, but the wind direction. A persistent westerly wind is ushering in colder air from the interior, sharply lowering temperatures and setting the stage for a bitterly cold night.
Dangerous Wind Chills Overnight
As the day progresses into Friday evening and early Saturday, the combination of cold air and gusty winds will drive feels-like temperatures below zero in several areas. Even where actual air temperatures remain in the teens, wind chills will make it feel significantly colder.
By Friday afternoon, high temperatures are expected to be around 10 degrees colder than seasonal averages, reinforcing the deep freeze gripping the region.
Cold Weekend Ahead for New England
The cold pattern is expected to persist through the weekend, with daytime highs struggling to reach 30 degrees in many communities. Overnight lows will dip well below freezing, especially in inland and higher-elevation areas.
Sunday morning could bring a few scattered snow showers, particularly in northern and coastal locations. While widespread accumulation is not expected at this time, brief bursts of snow could still create slick conditions on untreated roads.
A Glimmer of Hope in the Extended Forecast
There is some encouraging news in the longer-range outlook. According to the 10-day forecast, a gradual warm-up is expected by mid-to-late next week. While temperatures will still be seasonably cool, they should climb closer to normal levels, offering some relief after weeks of persistent cold.
Meteorologists caution that winter patterns can shift quickly, but current trends suggest the coldest air may finally loosen its grip as January progresses.
December 2025: A Month Defined by Cold
As the calendar turns and New England moves into 2026, weather data from December highlights just how unusual the past month was.
December recorded 23 days colder than normal, with only six days above average temperatures. Just two days matched long-term averages, underscoring how consistently cold the month remained.
The prolonged chill made December one of the colder recent months in regional memory, contributing to increased heating demand and extended snow and ice cover across many areas.
A Look Back at 2025’s Weather Extremes
Meteorologists reviewing 2025 weather data highlighted several notable extremes throughout the year:
- Hottest day of 2025: June 24, when temperatures soared to 102 degrees, a sharp contrast to the current deep freeze.
- Biggest snowfall: Just 4 inches, recorded on February 9.
- Wettest day: May 22, with more than 3 inches of rain falling in a single day.
These contrasts illustrate the wide range of weather conditions New England experienced over the past year, from summer heat waves to prolonged winter cold.
Staying Safe During Bitter Cold
With dangerous wind chills and rapidly changing conditions, residents are advised to take precautions:
- Limit time outdoors during peak cold and wind
- Dress in layers, covering exposed skin
- Use caution when driving during snow squalls
- Check on vulnerable neighbors and pets
Looking Ahead to 2026
As New England turns the page to a new year, the region remains firmly in winter’s grip. While the coming days will stay cold and blustery, forecasters remain optimistic that gradual improvements are on the horizon.
Here’s to hoping 2026 brings calmer skies, milder temperatures, and a smoother winter stretch ahead. Share your experiences in the comments below.
