Boston wakes up under a blanket of clouds Friday morning (May 1), with temperatures sitting near 48°F at Logan Airport, but the day is on track to brighten up. Skies should turn sunny with an afternoon high near 61°F, though a northwest breeze around 10 mph will keep things feeling a bit brisk in exposed spots.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
By this afternoon, expect mostly sunny skies and a high near 61°F. Northwest winds around 10 mph will be noticeable on bridges, along the harbor, and anywhere you are not tucked behind a good windbreak.
Weekend Shift To Rain
Scattered showers are possible Saturday (May 2), with a better shot at steadier rain Saturday night into Sunday morning (May 3) as a coastal low tracks southeast of New England. According to National Weather Service Boston/Norton, the heaviest totals should favor the Cape and islands, where about 0.5 to 0.75 inches of rain is expected, while areas north and west of I-495 are looking at under a tenth of an inch. Sunday’s high should top out near 54°F with northwest gusts that could reach into the low 20s. Out on the water, Small Craft Advisories are in effect for the outer waters, with seas around 4 to 6 feet, so mariners and ferry riders should be ready for a bumpy ride.
On The Water And Commute
If you have plans on Boston Harbor or are taking a ferry this weekend, factor in choppy conditions and possible schedule changes, and small boats should stick to the harbor until seas calm down. On land, heavier rain at times Sunday could slow things up, with reduced visibility and gusty winds making for slower highway traffic, and MBTA riders should check for service updates before heading out.
Looking Ahead
Monday (May 4) is expected to be dry and mild with highs near 63°F, while Tuesday (May 5) should warm toward 70°F with breezy south winds. Another round of showers is possible Wednesday night into Thursday (May 6 to 7), with gusts that could reach 20 to 30 mph in some locations, so it is worth keeping an eye on the forecast if you are planning outdoor time later next week.
For more on the recent on-again, off-again spring pattern and yesterday’s soggy commute, check out our April 30 update: yesterday’s soggy commute.
