Overall it will be a quiet, albeit cooler than normal, weekend. At least we aren’t predicating accumulating snow like last weekend. But, as always in the weather department, some restrictions and exclusions apply…
First, while the vast majority of the area will be bone dry all weekend, there is a chance of precipitation for parts of southern New England. A storm system will pass south of us Saturday night, but only barely. Light rain will be possible in CT and RI Saturday afternoon and in MA that includes the south Coast and the Islands. That will become a chance for snow after sunset. No accumulation is expected in the WHDH viewing area but we will be watching the radar closely.
Second, the coast is at risk for some minor flooding. The Sunday high tides around 2-3 AM will be higher than normal thanks to the recent now moon and gravitational forces of the sun and moon in general. In fact, water levels early Sunday morning will be about 12.2 feet above the average low tide. That’s about 3 feet higher than other high tides this month. That would happen regardless of the weather. But it just so happens that the same storm system that will pass to our south will briefly generate strong onshore (northeasterly) winds tonight as it pulls away from us. Those winds will create a 1-2 ft surge on top of the high tide. That is just enough for some minor coastal flooding, mainly from Hull to Plymouth and in Nantucket Harbor.
Third, the temperature will be well below normal. Daytime temperatures for early April would "normally" be in the low to mid 50s and nighttime temps would "normally" be in the mid to upper 30s for Boston. We will be about 10 degrees below those numbers all weekend. In fact, the record low temp for Boston for Sunday morning is 26 set in 1997 and it will be close.
The next area wide chance of rain comes on Monday. Temps will be cool enough in the pre-dawn areas Monday morning that the precipitation may begin as a wintry mix for parts of the area, mainly the Worcester Hills. The good news is that after sunrise, temps will quickly rebound and eventually reach "normal" levels by Monday afternoon. So the risk for wintry weather will be very brief. The bad news is that we can’t rule out some light rain or sprinkles for the Red Sox home opener. At least it will finally feel like spring again.
Bottom-line, although the headline reads "quiet weekend" weather-wise there is some fine print. Either way, I hope you enjoy it!
