Boston woke up to a gray, chilly start on Wednesday, April 29, with clouds locked in and temperatures stuck in the mid 40s, around 46°F at Logan. The rest of the day stays mostly cloudy, with a high near 53°F and just a slight chance of a brief shower late this afternoon between about 4 and 5 p.m. The real action holds off until tonight, when a more organized system brings steadier rain and a few rumbles of thunder that are poised to mess with the overnight hours and Thursday morning commute.
Tonight Into Thursday
Later Wednesday night, rain will ramp up with a chance of showers before about 2 a.m., followed by steadier showers and a few thunderstorms overnight into Thursday morning, April 30. Through Thursday, many spots are likely to pick up about a quarter to a half inch of rain overall, with localized totals up to around an inch possible in heavier pockets north of the city. These timing and rainfall estimates come from the National Weather Service Boston/Norton forecast.
Marine And Winds
Persistent onshore flow will keep northeast to east winds in charge, leaving outer waters choppy and harbor areas feeling raw. Small-craft operators should be ready for 5 to 8 foot seas on the outer waters and gusty northeast winds, with Small Craft Advisories expected to hold through Friday morning. That means ferries and smaller boats are in for a rough ride. Anyone with coastal plans should bank on gusty onshore breezes and periods of reduced visibility in heavier rain.
Plan Ahead
The Thursday morning commute on April 30 will likely be slowed by steady rain and pockets of reduced visibility, so allow extra travel time and drive to the conditions. Keep an umbrella or rain jacket close, secure any loose outdoor furniture, and put off nonessential boat trips until the weather settles down.
An earlier forecast was published on April 28, and this update reflects a longer marine advisory and more fine-tuned timing for the overnight rain. For background, see our brief sun before Thursday soaker coverage.
