What will Memorial Day weather be for Massachusetts and New Hampshire?
BOSTON - For many New Englanders, Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to summer. Barbeques, boats and beaches rise to the top of everyone's minds. Average high temperatures finally climb to 70 degrees, sunsets are after 8 p.m. and the green colors have finally returned to the landscape. All seems right with the world once again. All we need is the weather to cooperate. Unfortunately, many times, that is where the dream ends.
Anyone remember 2021? I hate to bring it up, but that's a shining example of just how miserable the weather can be here on Memorial Day weekend. Seriously, it doesn't get any worse! Rain fell each day, there was no sunshine and temperatures didn't climb above the upper 40s and low 50s on Saturday and Sunday.
The last couple of years we have had much better luck.
In fact, Memorial Day weekend was an absolute stunner in 2023. As it turned out, that was basically the last nice weekend we had for the rest of the year!
The news this year was mostly good. I wouldn't call it perfection, but I think most folks were happy with what was in store with above average temperatures and some nice sunshine to enjoy ... at least for Saturday and Sunday. Unfortunately the forecast started to go downhill for Memorial Day, with cooler, cloudier weather expected and the chance for showers.
Monday weather forecast
Sky conditions: Mainly cloudy with drizzle to periodic showers popping. Noticeable mugginess will be apparent with steady clouds, veiled peeks of sun, and 60s yielding to a few 70s. About a 20-40% chance of a shower during the daylight hours, much higher risk after sunset into Tuesday AM.
Temperatures: The coolest day of the stretch. Highs will top out in the low 70s north and west of Boston. Anywhere near the coast, it will be cooler (60s) due to an onshore wind.
Humidity: Dew points in the low 60s will make it feel just a touch humid.
Winds: Increasing south-southeasterly winds throughout the day, 10-20 mph in the afternoon.
Overall rating (1-10): 4-5 (bit lower at the coast)
Severe weather threat: Minimal
The severe threat for storms across Massachusetts remains low for Monday, with more general thunderstorms expected, however some storms could still be strong bringing gusty winds, downpours and locally heavy rain, along with the chance for small hail.
While Tuesday's rain chances will be early with little likelihood of being anything worth significance, some trace drizzle to isolated showers cannot be ruled out.
Beach weather forecast
High tides will generally occur in the early afternoon, winds increasing on Monday.
May typically isn't the ideal time to go to the Cape and Islands simply because the ocean is still so chilly.
Lakes and mountains forecast
It was a great weekend for a hike up north, but more cloudiness arrives Monday.
Stay tuned to WBZ-TV, WBZ.com and CBS News Boston all weekend long for fresh and frequent updates!
