Bostonians can look forward to clear skies and a brief respite from the recent chill as the temperature nudges towards the upper 50s today. According to the National Weather Service, a sunny forecast with a high near 57 is expected, though a brisk northwest wind of 9 to 13 mph, gusting as high as 23 mph, will add a bite to the air. Overnight, temperatures are anticipated to dip to around 38, with a mostly clear sky and calming winds.
But with the sun's rays comes an elevated fire risk. The dry conditions paired with gusty winds have prompted a Red Flag Warning by the National Weather Service Boston/Norton. The warning spans from 7 AM to 6 PM Tuesday, as relative humidity could drop to a low 35 percent. Officials caution, "Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly," and they advise against outdoor burning altogether.
Looking ahead to Wednesday, the city can expect another sunny day with a high near 56, which will mark a continuation of the dry pattern. According to Boston 25 News, the risk for brush fires remains high under these conditions. However, there's a change on the horizon, with a potential for rain starting Thursday, and with forecasts pointing towards a 100% chance of precipitation, it could help alleviate the dryness that has gripped the region.
Relief for the parched land is in sight as a significant storm system is slated to sweep through, bringing long-awaited rainfall from Thursday into the weekend. This wet weather not only promises to dampen the ground but may also contribute to a decrease, however slight, in the drought conditions and wildfire risks. "Rainfall totals around 1-2″ are projected across southern New England," states Boston 25 News. The coming rains will usher in cooler, more seasonable temperatures, with readings expected to hover between the low 50s and upper 40s. For those headed into the higher elevations, there's even talk of some snow mixing in by the weekend's end.
