Honestly, if you’re looking out a window in Back Bay right now, the numbers on your phone might feel like a total lie. You check the screen and it says 35°F. You look outside and it’s a chaotic swirl of white. Usually, 35 degrees means a slushy, annoying drizzle, but today Boston is proving why New England weather is its own special brand of unpredictable.
We are currently sitting right at 35°F in Boston.
It sounds almost mild for January, right? Wrong. Because while the thermometer is hovering just above freezing, a heavy snow storm is currently dumping over the city. It's one of those classic "tricky coastal storms" where a couple of degrees makes the difference between a scenic winter wonderland and a total mess on the Southeast Expressway.
The Current Situation: Sunday, January 18, 2026
Right now, the wind is coming out of the southwest at a gentle 3 mph. It’s deceptively quiet. But don't let that fool you into thinking the walk to the T is going to be easy. The humidity is sitting at 89%, making the air feel heavy and damp. If you’re heading out, you aren’t just dealing with the cold; you’re dealing with "wet cold," the kind that sinks into your bones the moment you step off the curb into a hidden slush puddle.
The forecast for the rest of today is pretty intense:
- High: 35°F
- Low: 29°F
- Daytime: Heavy snow storm with a 59% chance of precipitation.
- Tonight: Snow showers continuing with the probability jumping to 76%.
By the time you wake up tomorrow morning, meteorologists like Kelly Costa and Vicki Graf are predicting we could be looking at 3 to 6 inches of fresh snow across the city. Some spots in eastern Massachusetts might even hit 7 inches. If you’re a Patriots fan or just someone trying to get a head start on the work week, basically, you’re going to be shoveling.
Why what temperature is it in boston matters today
When people ask what temperature is it in boston, they are usually trying to figure out if they need the "big" coat or just a heavy sweater. Today, you need the waterproof boots. Period.
At 35°F, the snow is heavy. It’s the kind of "heart attack snow" that’s difficult to shovel because it’s saturated with moisture. Historically, Boston's average high for January is around 36°F, so we are technically right on track for a "normal" winter day, but the storm tracking further west has turned a standard Sunday into a legitimate weather event.
What’s coming next? (It gets worse)
If you think 35°F is chilly, brace yourself. We are about to hit a temperature cliff.
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- Monday: The high stays near 33°F, but the wind picks up significantly. It’ll feel much colder than the actual number.
- Tuesday: This is the real reality check. Highs will only reach the low 20s, and with the wind chill, it's going to feel like the teens even at noon.
- Wednesday: We’re looking at a "frigid" morning in the single digits.
Basically, the 35°F we’re seeing today is the warmest we’re going to be for a while.
Pro-level survival for the current temps
You've probably heard it a million times, but layering is actually a science here. At 35°F with heavy snow, a puffer jacket is great, but a waterproof shell is better. You don't want the snow melting on your coat and soaking through to your base layer.
Expert tip from the locals: Leave the high heels and the fancy leather dress shoes at home. Boston is famous for its cobblestones and brick sidewalks—places like Beacon Hill become literal ice rinks when the temperature hits that 35-to-29 degree transition overnight.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Shovel early: Don't wait until Monday morning. That 35°F snow will turn into a 29°F block of ice overnight.
- Check the T: Expect delays on the Red and Orange lines as the snow accumulates.
- Dress for 20°F: Even though it's 35°F now, the dampness and incoming wind mean you'll lose body heat faster than you think.
Keep an eye on the southwest wind shifting to the west later tonight—that’s when the "real" winter air starts to bite.