BOSTON — Winter Storm Fern has left the region buried under a massive blanket of snow, with totals exceeding 20 inches in several communities as of Monday afternoon, January 26, 2026. According to Google Weather, Boston is currently experiencing cloudy conditions with a temperature of -8°C and a wind chill making it feel like -16°C.
Snowfall Totals Across the Region
The storm delivered historic accumulation, marking the first time in nearly four years that Boston has seen more than 6 inches of snow in a single event.
- Boston (Logan Airport): 16.7 inches
- Middleton: 20.5 inches
- Holden: 20.0 inches
- Worcester: 17.5 inches
- Dighton: 16.0 inches
- Sandwich: 12.0 inches
Current Conditions & Travel Impact
The city remains under a state of emergency as cleanup efforts continue.
- Wind: Currently blowing from the north at 13 mph.
- Humidity: 100%.
- Logan Airport: Aviation is essentially halted with over 3,500 flights canceled.
- MBTA: Severe delays and cancellations are affecting all lines.
Forecast for Monday, January 26
Light snow is expected to continue throughout the day (58% chance) before clearing tonight, with a high of -7°C and a low of -13°C.
Greater Boston & Logan Airport
In the city of Boston, the impact has been profound. Logan International Airport officially measured 16.7 inches of snow, while neighborhoods like Dorchester reported 16.8 inches. This marks a historic milestone for the city, which had not seen a single-storm accumulation of more than 6 inches in nearly four years.
Regional Breakdown
- Worcester County: Worcester (17.5 in), Fitchburg (17.0 in), and Lunenburg (17.0 in).
- Essex County: Ipswich (17.2 in), Haverhill (15.0 in), and Saugus (15.0 in).
- Bristol County: Dighton (16.0 in) and Rehoboth (13.4 in).
- The Cape & Islands: Brewster (12.0 in) and Sandwich (12.0 in).
State of Emergency: Mayor Wu and Governor Healey Take Action
On Sunday, Mayor Michelle Wu declared a snow emergency and a citywide parking ban for Boston, effective at 8:00 a.m. By Monday morning, Governor Maura Healey urged all residents to remain off the roads as “whiteout conditions” made travel life-threatening.
“This storm is picking up intensity very quickly,” Governor Healey warned. “We are anticipating a significant snow event over the next 36 hours. Please, stay home and let our DPW crews clear the way for emergency vehicles.”
Key Closures and Cancellations
- Schools: All Boston Public Schools and municipal buildings are closed Monday, Jan 26.
- Logan Airport: Aviation has been “essentially halted.” Over 3,500 flights were scrapped on Monday following the record 12,500 cancellations nationwide on Sunday. JetBlue, American, and Delta have been the hardest hit.
- Commuter Rail/MBTA: Severe delays and reduced schedules are in effect across all lines as crews work to clear tracks and de-ice switches.
The Science Behind “Winter Storm Fern”
Meteorologists have classified Fern as a Miller B Nor’easter. The storm developed off the coast of California before transferring its energy to a new low-pressure system off the Atlantic coast. This “transfer” allowed the storm to rapidly intensify—a process known as bombogenesis—leading to snowfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour during the peak on Sunday night.
The Next Threat: The -25°F Deep Freeze
While the snow is expected to taper off by late Monday evening, the danger is far from over. An Arctic air mass is settling in behind the storm, with National Grid warning of wind chill temperatures plummeting between -10°F and -25°F.
National Grid Safety Reminders:
- Downed Lines: Always assume fallen wires are live. Stay at least 30 feet away and call 911.
- Carbon Monoxide: Ensure your heating and dryer vents are clear of snow to prevent deadly gas buildup.
- Space Heaters: Keep them at least three feet away from curtains and furniture.
Looking Ahead
Cleanup efforts are expected to take several days. With temperatures remaining well below freezing through the end of the week, the “Great Siege of 2026” won’t be melting anytime soon.
Residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertBoston and check Mass511 for real-time road conditions.