Boston is expected to see negative wind chills and frigid gusts in the coming days, before the weather warms up later in the week, according to National Weather Service forecasts.

“We’re going to see a very cold start to the week, some of the coldest temperatures we’ve seen so far this season,” said NWS meteorologist Francis Tarasiewicz. “And then the theme for the second half of the week will be moderating temperatures with the possibility for a rainstorm by the end of the week.”

The week is expected to kick off in freezing fashion with a cloudy day and a high in the high 20s Monday, NWS forecasts. Gusts are forecasted to get up 34 mph, and the wind chill may drop to -1 in the city.

Residents should be careful being outside in the frigid temperatures, Tarasiewicz said.

“When dealing with cold like that, it’s really important to layer up,” Tarasiewicz said. “You don’t want to have a whole lot of exposed skin, if any in those conditions. And limit your time outdoors. If you’re waiting for the bus (Monday) morning, maybe spend a few extra minutes in your house before getting out.”

The winds are expected to “slacken off by the afternoon,” the meteorologist said, perhaps improving wind chills throughout the day.

Across Massachusetts, forecasts show snow exiting before Monday morning, Tarasiewicz said, with a few more inches on the Cape or areas of southeast Massachusetts overnight.

“And then the rest of the week we’ll see a bit of a warm up here,” Tarasiewicz said. “Tuesday will be in the 30s.”

Tuesday is expected to be sunny with a high in the low 30s and a low in the mid-20s, forecasts show. Wednesday is likely to warm up further to a high in the mid-40s, as skies turn mostly sunny.

“Then even warmer temperatures by Thursday, Friday,” Tarasiewicz said. “Widespread 40s and even some 50s across Southeast Massachusetts.”

The Boston area is expected to see temperatures reach the mid-40s Wednesday and as high as 50 degrees Thursday, as wind gust pick up again.

Skies are forecast to turn partly sunny Thursday, and a chance of showers kicks in during the night, NWS states.

More showers are likely headed into the weekend, as temperatures remain above freezing and gusty winds continue, forecasts show.

New England’s tallest menorah shines with its first light in Copley Square outside the Boston Public Library on the first night of Hanukkah. (Libby O’Neill/Boston Herald)