Boston is waking up chilly and blustery Friday as a powerful nor’easter begins to take over the forecast. Temperatures should climb to about 63 degrees under mostly cloudy skies, but rain may arrive after 4 p.m. and the weather is expected to deteriorate quickly into the weekend.
Wind And Coastal Flooding Arrive Friday
A High Wind Warning is in effect from 8 a.m. Friday through 2 a.m. Sunday, with northeast winds of 25 to 35 mph and gusts potentially reaching 60 mph across eastern Massachusetts. In Boston, afternoon winds are forecast at 17 to 26 mph, with gusts up to 43 mph. A Coastal Flood Warning is in effect for the east coast of Massachusetts, with up to a foot of water possible in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways, according to the National Weather Service. ([forecast.weather.gov](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=42.350274&lon=-71.058768&utm_source=openai))
The coast is also under a High Surf Advisory, with breaking waves of 6 to 13 feet expected through Sunday evening. The prolonged northeast winds could cause beach erosion and pockets of moderate flooding during multiple high-tide cycles, particularly south of Boston and along the Cape and Islands.
Wettest Stretch Runs Saturday Through Monday
Rain is likely Friday night, becoming widespread Saturday as temperatures hold near 61 degrees; stronger northeast gusts are possible in southeastern Massachusetts and along the coast. The broader storm is expected to produce 3 to 5 inches over the next 72 hours, with the heaviest rain over eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Sunday stays rainy, with a slight chance of thunderstorms. Monday remains unsettled, with rain and another chance for thunderstorms as the storm finally begins to weaken.
Travel And Outdoor Plans Face A Rough Weekend
Strong winds may bring down branches and power lines, with scattered outages possible, especially while trees are still fully leafed out. Residents should secure loose outdoor items and use extra caution while driving, particularly in high-profile vehicles.
People near the coast should protect flood-prone property, avoid driving around barricades or through water of unknown depth, and stay out of the surf. Conditions improve slowly Tuesday.
