We did hit 91 in Boston this afternoon, the first time we’ve achieved 90+ since September. With the summer-time heat and humidity today, came summer-time storms. Strong to severe storms across western and central New England continue their march eastbound this evening, but weaken as they go and eventually fade out overnight, leaving a mild and muggy and at times, foggy overnight. Expect a few scattered showers and storms possible before midnight though, even near the coast.
The same system that sparked today’s storms, (mainly north & west) is closer to us tomorrow, and that means more scattered showers and storms. This time, earlier in the day. At this point, you’ve heard the Fourth celebrations in Boston have been moved to tomorrow afternoon/night. What about the weather? We do leave showers and storms in the forecast through the day tomorrow, but they’ll be scattered about, so expect some dry hours too. There are also indications that the main batch of showers and storms move northwest of Boston late in the afternoon and evening, perhaps allowing for the show to go on. Something we need to keep an eye on though.
Next, our attention turns toward the tropics and how Arthur interacts with a cold front moving into our area.
As that front slowly moves through Friday, more showers and storms are possible, and this is where the rain may come down in buckets thanks to an increase in tropical moisture that gets pulled up the east coast and enhances those showers and storms, allowing for locally heavy rain.
So will the Fourth be a washout? It’s possible at this point it will be for some. A channel of tropical moisture may hold downpours into the early evening hours along eastern Mass and over SE Mass through much of the night. Cape Cod winds may gust 30-40mph overnight as well, out of the northeast, then northwest. There will be a sharp cutoff from soaking rains to drier air, so it’s still a possibility with an eastward adjustment in the front and Arthur, the heavy rains taper off for many by night, but at this point, it’s an expect the worst, hope for the best situation.
Regardless of the Friday night forecast, it’s still a very quick clear out Saturday morning with lower humidity moving in with a breezy northwest wind. We’ll watch for higher surf and the risk of rip currents at the shore for the weekend thanks to Arthur. Especially the south and east facing beaches of the Cape and Islands. Keep this in mind if you’re planning to hit the beach.
We’ll keep you posted through the week. Stay cool!