Honestly, if you were hoping for that weird "early spring" vibe we had a few days ago to stick around, I have some bad news. Winter didn't just knock on the door; it basically kicked it down. We're looking at a Boston weather 15 day window that feels like a highlight reel of everything New Englanders love to hate about January.
It’s cold. Like, "don't forget your thermal socks" cold.
As of Saturday, January 17, 2026, the current temperature is sitting right at 40°F, but that’s the warmest it’s going to be for a while. We've got a southwest wind at 4 mph, which sounds gentle enough, but with the humidity at 72% and a 41% chance of rain, it’s that damp, bone-chilling cold that Boston is famous for.
👉 See also: Why Every Pitbull in a Raincoat Makes a Statement (and How to Get the Fit Right)
The Immediate Outlook: Snow and Slush
If you’re planning to be out tonight or tomorrow, things get messy fast. Today's high is 40°F, but we’re expecting a mix of rain and snow with an 88% chance of precipitation. It's that classic slushy transition where the sidewalks become a grey, salty soup. Tonight, the low drops to 31°F, freezing up whatever fell during the day.
Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, is when the snow actually decides to show up properly. We’re looking at a high of 35°F and a low of 28°F. There’s a 45% chance of snow during the day, which jumps up to a 65% chance of snow showers at night. It’s not a "blockbuster" storm—don't expect to be buried—but it’s enough to make the Monday morning commute a total headache.
The Polar Vortex is Back
The big story for the middle of this 15-day stretch is the return of the Polar Vortex. Meteorologists, including the team at Woods Hill Weather, have been tracking a shift where Arctic air lobes are frequently swinging down into the Northeast. This isn't just a quick chill; it’s a sustained deep freeze.
By Tuesday, January 20, the high struggles to reach 25°F, and the low plummet to a brutal 13°F.
📖 Related: James Griffith Salon Sarasota Florida: Why This Place Is Different
Wait, it actually gets worse.
If we look toward next weekend, specifically Sunday, January 25, and Monday, January 26, the highs are projected to be a measly 18°F with lows hitting 4°F. When you factor in the northwest winds—which we're seeing gusting up to 15 mph—the "feels like" temperatures are going to be well below zero.
A Quick Peek at the 15-Day Numbers
- Jan 17 (Today): High 40°F / Low 31°F (Rain & Snow)
- Jan 18 (Tomorrow): High 35°F / Low 28°F (Snow showers)
- Jan 20: High 25°F / Low 13°F (Sunny but frigid)
- Jan 25: High 18°F / Low 4°F (Arctic blast)
- Jan 27: High 23°F / Low 12°F (Light snow)
What Most People Get Wrong About January Thaws
Everyone talks about the "January Thaw," and we sort of had one. But the Washington Post weather team recently highlighted that while parts of the West are seeing record warmth, the Northeast is stuck in a "snow drought" transition that’s finally ending.
Just because it’s sunny doesn't mean it’s warm. Monday and Tuesday (Jan 19-20) will be "mostly sunny" and "sunny," but those are the days you’ll feel the wind-chill the most. The clear skies allow all the heat to escape back into the atmosphere at night. That’s how you end up with those single-digit lows.
Honestly, the Boston weather 15 day forecast is a reminder that winter in the city is a marathon, not a sprint. We’re seeing a pattern where the jet stream is positioned in a way that just keeps funneling cold air from Canada directly into the Charles River basin.
Survival Steps for the Next Two Weeks
Since we're staring down a pretty consistent stretch of sub-freezing temperatures and at least three or four distinct chances for snow (Jan 17, Jan 18, Jan 21, and Jan 27), you’ve gotta be proactive.
First, check your car battery. Extreme cold like the 4°F we're expecting on the 25th is a battery killer. If yours is more than three years old, it might struggle.
📖 Related: The Logic of Destruction: Why Systems Break and How to Build Resistance
Second, watch the pipes. When it stays below freezing for multiple days—like it will from Jan 23 through the end of the month—older Boston brownstones are notorious for frozen pipes. Keep the heat at a steady level even if you’re heading out for the weekend.
Lastly, grab some ice melt now. Between the rain/snow mix today and the snow showers tomorrow, there’s going to be a lot of "flash freezing" happening on stairs and driveways.
Next Steps:
- Layer up with moisture-wicking base layers for the Sunday snow.
- Seal drafty windows before the double-digit temperature drop on Tuesday.
- Stock up on essentials by Friday the 23rd to avoid the weekend rush before the coldest air of the month arrives.