New England, October 9, 2025
News Summary
New England is experiencing a significant drop in temperatures as freeze warnings and frost advisories are issued across the region. Expected lows for Thursday night and Friday morning will plummet below freezing in many areas surrounding Boston. Chief meteorologist Cindy Fitzgibbon notes that this marks the coldest night of the season. The cooler temperatures are anticipated to persist alongside possible severe weather due to an approaching coastal storm over the weekend, with potential heavy rainfall and strong winds later on.
Boston
New England faces sharp temperature drop, freeze warnings and potential coastal storm
A significant drop in temperatures is occurring in New England, marking a more appropriate fall feel. Temperatures Thursday night and Friday morning are expected to fall below freezing in many areas just outside of Boston. Freeze warnings have been issued for parts of Massachusetts, along with a frost advisory for Boston and coastal areas, excluding Cape Cod and Nantucket. Chief meteorologist Cindy Fitzgibbon warns that the coldest night of the season is expected.
Immediate impacts and timing
Expected low temperatures will range from the mid-20s in the coldest areas to nearly 40 degrees on Cape Cod. Low temperatures on Friday morning are anticipated to be in the 20s for most areas, including along the Route 128 corridor. Boston’s temperatures are projected to drop into the 30s, marking the coolest temperatures since April 13. Daytime highs on Thursday will struggle to reach the upper 50s, remaining about five degrees cooler than average for this time of year.
Freeze warnings and frost advisories are in effect across Massachusetts and New England from Thursday evening to Friday morning. Areas away from the immediate coast are likely to experience the first hard freeze of the season. Long sleeves and light jackets are recommended for the chilly weather.
Short-term outlook: Friday through the weekend
Friday’s temperature recovery is expected to bring highs in the low 60s, but the weather will remain unsettled. The cooler temperatures will persist into early next week, with the possibility of strong winds and rain due to an approaching coastal storm. The weekend will start sunny but end with rain as a nor’easter approaches from the Eastern Seaboard, bringing potential strong winds and rain. Gusty winds may occur by Monday, with rain from the nor’easter expected to begin on Sunday.
Heavy rain bands could sweep in from the ocean as the storm moves south and then offshore by Tuesday. Sunshine may return late Tuesday or Wednesday after the storm passes.
Severe weather risk
The weather situation suggests a potential for severe thunderstorms with damaging winds, particularly on Friday afternoon. The Storms Prediction Center has placed portions of the area under a “slight” risk for severe storms on Friday. Thunderstorms on Friday may produce heavy downpours, lightning, damaging winds, and small hail.
Practical guidance
Residents should prepare for cold overnight conditions and a sharp chill on Friday morning, especially outside the immediate coastal zone. Protective measures for plants, pets, and exposed water pipes are advisable in areas expected to reach the mid-20s. Travelers should anticipate cooler conditions and possible wind-driven rain later in the weekend and into early next week as the coastal storm approaches.
Background and context
Freeze warnings are issued when temperatures are expected to fall to levels that can kill crops and damage sensitive vegetation. Frost advisories indicate conditions favorable for frost that can affect unprotected vegetation and outdoor plumbing near the surface. This system of late-season freezes follows a pattern of cooling that is about five degrees below average for this time of year in many locations across the region.
FAQ
Q: Are freeze warnings and frost advisories in effect?
A: Freeze warnings have been issued for parts of Massachusetts, along with a frost advisory for Boston and coastal areas, excluding Cape Cod and Nantucket.
Q: When will temperatures fall below freezing?
A: Temperatures Thursday night and Friday morning are expected to fall below freezing in many areas just outside of Boston.
Q: How cold will it get?
A: Expected low temperatures will range from the mid-20s in the coldest areas to nearly 40 degrees on Cape Cod.
Q: What is the situation in Boston specifically?
A: Boston’s temperatures are projected to drop into the 30s, marking the coolest temperatures since April 13.
Q: Will the cold persist into next week?
A: The cooler temperatures will persist into early next week, with the possibility of strong winds and rain due to an approaching coastal storm.
Q: Is there a risk of severe storms?
A: The Storms Prediction Center has placed portions of the area under a “slight” risk for severe storms on Friday.
Q: What could Friday’s thunderstorms produce?
A: Thunderstorms on Friday may produce heavy downpours, lightning, damaging winds, and small hail.
Q: What is expected later this weekend?
A: The weekend will start sunny but end with rain as a nor’easter approaches from the Eastern Seaboard, bringing potential strong winds and rain.
Quick reference table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Timing of freeze/frost | From Thursday evening to Friday morning |
| Lowest expected temperatures | Mid-20s in coldest inland areas; nearly 40 on Cape Cod |
| Boston low | Projected to drop into the 30s (coolest since April 13) |
| Thursday daytime highs | Upper 50s (about five degrees cooler than average) |
| Friday highs | Recovery to the low 60s |
| Severe weather risk | Portions under a “slight” risk for severe storms on Friday |
| Weekend outlook | Sunny start, rain begins Sunday as nor’easter approaches; gusty winds possible by Monday |
| After the storm | Sunshine may return late Tuesday or Wednesday |
| Recommended gear | Long sleeves and light jackets |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Pleasant Weather Expected in Boston Next Week
Cool and Dry Weather Returns to New England
Dry Air and Mild Temperatures Return to Boston
Flash Flood Warning in Fairfield County Due to Hurricane Erin
Weekend Events Across South Shore Communities
Boston Weather Shifts to Cooler Temperatures Amid Hurricane Erin
Boston Prepares for Cooler Temperatures and Hurricane Erin
Severe Heat Wave Hits New England
Boston to Experience a Refreshing Weekend of Weather
Extreme Heat Wave Hits New England
Additional Resources
- WCVB: Boston Area Faces Coldest Temps Since April
- Wikipedia: Cold Weather
- NBC Boston: Freeze Warning Tonight
- Google Search: Freeze Warnings Massachusetts
- Boston 25 News: Thursday Afternoon Forecast
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- CBS News: Severe Storms and Weather
- Google News: Boston Weather
- NBC Boston: Storm Forecast for Boston
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
