Boston rolled into Wednesday with a brisk 32°F at Logan International and mostly cloudy skies as a fast-moving clipper slid east of the region. Afternoon highs should still reach the mid-30s, around 37°F, but the real headline is the wind. West to northwest breezes will strengthen through midday and turn noticeably blustery along exposed streets and the waterfront. Layers are your friend for the afternoon commute, and this is a good time to grab any loose patio furniture before it goes on an unplanned trip. Mariners and ferry riders should also brace for rougher conditions this afternoon and tonight.
Afternoon Gusts Pick Up
Winds will ramp up through the midday and afternoon, with sustained speeds around 8 to 13 mph and gusts up to about 23 mph in exposed spots, especially along Boston Harbor and on bridge approaches. That could mean tricky crosswinds for high-profile vehicles and a decent chance that anything not tied down ends up halfway down the block during the afternoon rush. The official forecast calls for a high near 37°F with west winds of 8 to 13 mph and gusts as high as 23 mph this afternoon. According to the National Weather Service, the gusty conditions are expected to linger into the evening hours.
Marine And Ferry Concerns
A Small Craft Advisory is in effect for the outer ocean waters and the waters south of Rhode Island into Thursday as winds shift and seas build to 4 to 7 feet this afternoon and evening. Small vessels are better off staying in port, and ferry passengers should be ready for a choppier ride than usual. Commercial operators are urged to check the latest briefings before leaving the docks. There is also a risk of freezing spray in colder pockets overnight, which can make decks and gear slick and interfere with equipment. See the National Weather Service for zone-specific marine details and the latest advisories.
Tonight Into The Weekend
There is a slight chance of a brief, light snow shower late tonight, mainly between about 9 and 10 p.m., although most locations are expected to stay dry with a low near 26°F. Thursday should turn mostly sunny with a high near 34°F and another round of brisk northwest winds, while the weekend looks generally calm and seasonable. Forecasters note that confidence is low, but a coastal system could affect the region around Monday, February 16, which might bring a mix of rain and snow depending on its track. It is worth keeping an eye on updated forecasts before making travel or late-weekend plans.
