You’ve probably looked out the window this morning and thought it looked like a standard New England winter day. The sun is out, the sky is clear, and honestly, it looks pretty inviting. But if you’re planning to head down to State Pier or grab a coffee downtown, don’t let that sunshine fool you. Today's weather in New Bedford MA is a classic case of "looks can be deceiving."
We are currently sitting at a crisp 25°F as of early Friday morning, but the real kicker is the wind. It’s coming out of the west at about 17 mph. That might not sound like much to a seasoned local, but it’s enough to drag that "feels like" temperature down to a biting 13°F. It’s the kind of cold that finds the gap between your scarf and your jacket in about three seconds flat.
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The Gale Warning and Your Commute
If you’re a mariner or just someone who likes to walk along the Hurricane Barrier, pay attention to the water today. The National Weather Service has a Gale Warning in effect until 4 PM this afternoon. We’re talking west winds between 20 to 30 knots, with some gusts potentially hitting 35 knots. For those on land, that translates to a very breezy Friday.
The high today is only going to reach 32°F. Basically, we aren't even hitting the freezing mark at our warmest point.
Why does this happen so often here? New Bedford’s position on Buzzards Bay means we get that raw, biting wind that just sweeps across the water. While inland towns might be a few degrees warmer or sheltered by trees, we’re out here in the open.
Breaking Down the Numbers
- Morning Conditions: Partly cloudy and 25°F.
- The Peak: Expect 32°F under mostly sunny skies this afternoon.
- The Wind: Strongest during the day, coming from the west at 21 mph.
- Tonight: It’ll drop back down to 21°F, and the clouds will start moving back in.
Humidity is staying low today, around 39% to 47%. That’s why the air feels so "sharp." There’s a tiny 10% chance of a stray snowflake, but honestly, don't count on it. This is a dry, cold day.
Dealing With the "Whaling City" Chill
Most people get it wrong when they dress for this kind of weather. They see 32°F on the app and think a light puffer jacket is fine. In New Bedford, the wind is the primary factor you have to dress for.
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Layers are your best friend, but specifically a wind-blocking outer layer. If you’re heading to the South End or walking near the Cove, that west wind is going to be relentless.
By the time we hit tonight, the uv index—which is a 2 today—will be long gone, and we’ll be facing a low of 21°F. If you have plans to be out late, just know that the wind isn't expected to die down significantly until well after the sun goes set.
What’s Coming Next?
Looking ahead, this cold snap is just the beginning of a messy weekend. While today is dry, Saturday and Sunday are looking much more "gray" with a 50% chance of a frozen mix on Saturday and a 40% chance on Sunday.
If you have errands to run or need to hit the grocery store, today—despite the cold—is actually your best bet. It’s clear, the roads are dry, and visibility is great. Just make sure you’ve got those gloves handy.
Next Steps for Today:
- Check your tires: Drastic temp drops like this often trigger your tire pressure sensors.
- Secure loose items: With 35 mph gusts possible, that empty trash can might end up in your neighbor's yard.
- Plan outdoor time for mid-afternoon: Between 1 PM and 3 PM is when you’ll get the most out of that 32°F "high" before the sun starts to dip.