Boston woke up Monday, March 16, 2026, to low clouds, a raw 39°F reading at Logan Airport, and a steady band of rain sliding into the region this morning. It will not feel wintry for long, though, with temperatures jumping to near 62°F and a chance of thunderstorms embedded in the rain. Expect wet streets and patches of fog in the neighborhoods, and plan a little extra time for the commute.
What To Expect Today
Rain and fog will be widespread through the morning, turning steadier by late morning and likely hanging on into tonight. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch are on the table, with locally higher totals where heavier downpours or a thunderstorm sets up, according to NWS Boston/Norton. A Flood Watch is posted for much of eastern Massachusetts and nearby Rhode Island through Tuesday morning, and poor drainage spots in low-lying neighborhoods could see urban flooding.
Afternoon Winds and Tonight's Peak
Southerly winds pick up this afternoon to about 16 to 20 mph, with daytime gusts nudging into the low 30s. The real punch arrives Monday evening as the storm’s low-level jet noses in and the wind ramps up quickly. High Wind Warnings cover parts of eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and the strongest coastal gusts could reach the mid 50s to around 65 mph in a few locations, strong enough to bring down branches, snap power lines, and make travel on exposed roads tricky. Drivers in high-profile vehicles should use extra caution on bridges and other open stretches.
Commute and Safety Tips
Plan on slower trips both this morning and again tonight, when heavy rain and wind are likely to tag-team the evening drive. Skip driving through standing water, and secure or bring in loose outdoor items before conditions go downhill. Check MBTA alerts before heading out, and consider delaying nonessential travel, especially Monday evening when outages and delays are more likely. If the lights go out, treat any downed lines as live and report power problems directly to your utility.
Marine and Harbor Concerns
Small craft and storm warnings are up for local coastal waters, with seas building quickly tonight and climbing well into the teens of feet offshore. Nonessential marine trips should wait for calmer weather. The storm system moves out on Tuesday, opening the door to drier, colder air with gusty west winds and highs in the mid 40s, giving crews a window to check for damage and start cleanup.
