Mayor Michelle Wu has declared a cold emergency in Boston for the coming weekend, starting on Friday and continuing through Sunday.
“During these harsh conditions, please plan ahead to stay warm, look out for your neighbors and take all necessary precautions to stay safe,” Wu said in a statement. “Our City departments are working around the clock to ensure all Boston residents are connected to the resources they need in a cold emergency.”
According to the National Weather Service, the wind chill temperature is expected to drop significantly Friday night into Saturday morning, reaching as low as -10 degrees. Due to the low temperatures, there is an increased risk for hypothermia and frostbite for certain individuals, such as those experiencing homelessness, the elderly, and young children. Cold weather may also exacerbate health issues in high-risk populations.
The current threshold for the City of Boston to declare a cold emergency is one day or more of -10 degrees or below observed wind chill. Additionally, Boston’s cold advisory threshold is one day or more of zero degrees or below observed wind chill.
Wu is advising all residents to take precautions, including reminding everyone to check in on older adults, people with disabilities, and people experiencing homelessness. If anyone sees someone experiencing homelessness out in the cold, please call 911. If residents are aware of anyone staying in a vehicle or a place not intended for living during these extreme cold temperatures, residents are encouraged to call 911 as well.
How to stay warm
Boston Centers for Youth & Families will activate warming centers at community centers during their normal operating hours. A full list of locations and their hours can be found here.
Residents can also visit the Boston Public Library’s Central Library in Copley Square or branch locations during their normal operating hours.
