News Summary
New England is experiencing warmer temperatures this May, leading to high pollen counts that are troubling allergy sufferers. Recent rainfall has alleviated drought conditions in the region, with the upcoming forecast indicating mostly sunny skies and variable temperatures. While some areas face minor flooding, temperatures are expected to be warmer, especially inland. The ongoing climatic changes are evident as residents prepare for another round of rain that may disrupt weekend plans.
Boston – New England is experiencing warmer temperatures this May, with readings ranging from 2 to 5 degrees above average. This shift in climate has led to significantly high pollen counts, causing problems for many allergy sufferers in the region. Fortunately, recent rainfall has brought much-needed relief from a prolonged drought that has affected New England since last fall.
The U.S. Drought Monitor’s update, expected Thursday, is likely to report a substantial reduction or complete end to drought conditions across the region. Last week’s rainfall, ranging from 2 to 6 inches, has made this May one of the top 10 wettest on record for larger cities in New England.
Despite the rainfall, some areas along the Connecticut River south of Hartford remain in minor flood stages. However, these water levels are anticipated to decrease by the end of the day on Tuesday. A high-pressure system is expected to result in bright and dry weather across Boston and most of New England on Tuesday, with morning temperatures forecasted to be in the mid- to upper 50s.
Coastal regions, including Boston, will feel cooler due to an onshore breeze, leading to daytime highs in the 60s. In contrast, areas west of I-95 may experience warmer temperatures, with some locations even reaching 80 degrees. A weak weather system might bring a light sprinkle or two late Tuesday night, particularly in extreme southwestern New England.
Currently, the weather is influenced by a meteorological pattern known as a “Rex block,” characterized by high pressure that stifles cloud development and slows storm systems. As a result, Wednesday is expected to remain mostly dry, with increased cloud cover, though a few sprinkles may still occur in extreme Southern New England.
The forecast for Greater Boston predicts mostly sunny skies with temperature highs reaching the 60s. Areas along the I-95 corridor could see temperatures in the low 70s, while south-central and western Massachusetts are expected to reach the high 70s. The Cape and Islands will enjoy mostly sunny conditions, but temperatures there will be lower, peaking in the low to mid-60s.
Moreover, Central and western Massachusetts may experience high clouds but will have lows in the 50s, with a slight chance of evening sprinkles. New Hampshire’s weather is similarly bright, with expected highs in the upper 60s and low 70s, cooling down to the 40s overnight. Vermont and Maine area are also anticipating bright skies, with highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s and 40s, respectively.
Historically, New England has shown an increasing trend towards summer-like weather patterns occurring in May. The average daily high temperature for Boston in May has risen, with last year’s average high recorded at around 68 degrees. The variable spring weather continues to be driven largely by wind direction, significantly impacting temperatures.
Looking forward, the upcoming week is set to bring another round of rain to the Northeast on Friday, which may pose a challenge for weekend outdoor plans. Flood Watches are currently in place for parts of Vermont, New Hampshire, and southern Maine, relating to the anticipated additional rainfall.
Overall, the combination of warmer temperatures, high pollen counts, and recent rainfall presents a mixed bag for residents of New England as they navigate this year’s changing spring climate.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Weather: Boston’s Wet Weekend
- NBC Boston: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
- Cape Cod Times: Summer Start Forecast
- Wikipedia: Weather of Boston
- Boston Globe: May Weather Forecast
