Boston woke up to a gray, drizzly start on Thursday, April 30, with light rain, temperatures in the upper 40s, and a decidedly soggy morning commute on tap. Showers are expected to hang on through the late morning before skies start to clear from west to east this afternoon, and highs should still manage to climb to around 55°F.
Morning Commute And Timing
Rain showers are likely before 3 p.m., with the steadiest band expected to break up around midday. Inland neighborhoods stand the best chance at seeing longer dry breaks, while Cape Cod and the islands may need to wait it out a bit longer as showers linger. East winds stay light, around 5 mph, so at least umbrellas are not likely to turn inside out on the walk to work.
New rainfall amounts should stay on the lighter side for many spots, under a tenth of an inch. Forecasters note, however, that some guidance still points to a more solid rainfall event, on the order of about 0.5 inches, in areas that hold onto steady rain for longer stretches. For timing and full details, see the National Weather Service Boston/Norton.
Boats, Ferries And Transit
Out on the water, Small Craft Advisories remain in effect for the outer coastal waters through Friday evening, May 1, with choppy seas and pockets of fog in the mix. Mariners and ferry riders should factor in some extra bounce and reduced visibility.
On land, MBTA riders are not getting a break either. The Green Line B branch suspension between Kenmore and Boston College continues through April 30, with shuttle buses replacing trolleys along the route, according to the Boston Globe. That headache was already on the radar in a Thursday soaker warning.
Weekend And Next Week
Looking past today, the weekend trends cooler but mainly dry, with highs in the mid 50s as the coastal system stays offshore. A few afternoon sprinkles are possible on Saturday, but widespread rain is not expected.
Early next week turns warmer and a bit more unsettled. Highs are forecast to climb into the upper 60s by Tuesday, with gusty southwest winds possible, which could make for some blustery afternoons.
Plan Ahead
For today, grab a waterproof layer for the morning commute, then try to stack outdoor errands or dog walks after lunchtime, when conditions should steadily improve. Mariners should check the latest marine advisories and confirm schedules with ferry operators before heading out.
