( CNN ) -- The phrase `` it 's cold outside '' does n't begin to describe it . With the mercury well below zero in parts of the Northeast , people in New York and the New England states are facing some of the coldest temperatures the region has seen in years . So , just how cold is it ? Temperatures in Boston dropped to 2 degrees below zero Monday morning , according to CNN meteorologists . To the south , in New York , it was even worse , with the morning temperature sitting at 6 below zero . Massachusetts Gov . Deval Patrick has urged people in his state to take extra caution in the dangerously cold weather . In a statement released on Monday , the governor announced that he had put state agencies on high alert to respond to any public safety and public health issues that may emerge . `` We are also reaching out to cities and towns to make sure they are prepared , and have pledged support , where needed , '' the statement said . Patrick is working with the United Way and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency to provide services and assistance to residents across the state . Boston might be considered cozy by its neighbors to the west , according to CNN meteorologist Sean Morris . In North Adams , Massachusetts , Monday morning 's low was 20 below zero . In New York state , the cold weather caused trouble for travelers . Schools in North Syracuse had to close after several dozen of the district 's 136 buses failed to start , according to local media reports . `` We could not chance putting them out on the road and then having them stall and not be able to pick up the students , '' school district director of transportation Mike Janisch told CNN affiliate WSYR . Amtrak had to shut down part of its service in New York as well . A statement sent out on Monday said the sub-zero temperatures had caused some signals , switches and equipment to freeze , leading to the cancellation of some services in the region . Northwest of Albany , temperatures dipped to 30 below in Indian Lake , and minus 22 in Gloversville . Other Northeastern states are also facing bitter cold . In Mount Washington , New Hampshire , temperatures dropped to 35 below zero . But if you think these temperatures are approaching global record lows , you 're way off . On July 21 , 1983 , temperatures dropped to a bone-chilling 129 degrees below zero in Vostok Station , Antarctica -- the coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth .
Temperatures well below zero in parts of the Northeast . School was shut down in one city after buses refused to start , local media report . Amtrak canceled services after equipment froze , a statement said . Massachusetts governor puts state agencies on high alert .