News Summary
Boston is experiencing an unexpected drop in temperatures, with highs reaching only the upper 40s this week, due to a rare nor’easter. This cold snap is marked by the second coldest May 22 on record, prompting high wind alerts and challenging travel conditions. However, warmer temperatures are expected to return just in time for the Memorial Day weekend, with forecasts predicting highs in the 70s. The fluctuation in weather highlights ongoing climatic changes in the region, as late May cold snaps become increasingly rare.
Boston is currently experiencing a significant weather shift with temperatures plummeting 20 degrees this week, reminiscent of winter, as a rare nor’easter swept through Southern New England. This cold spell has resulted in highs only reaching the upper 40s, nearly breaking a 116-year-old record for the coldest May 22 on record. However, forecasts suggest a warmer Memorial Day weekend ahead, with temperatures set to rise into the 70s.
The chill in Boston started to become evident on Thursday, May 22, which turned out to be the coldest day of the week. The day registered a high of only 48 degrees, making it the second coldest May 22 in Boston’s history, following the 47-degree record set in 1909. Morning wind chills at Logan Airport dropped to 39 degrees, starkly contrasting with previous warm days in May, including two days where highs reached the 80s.
A rare spring nor’easter caused this sudden drop in temperatures, bringing harsh winds and heavy precipitation. Rainfall totals reached 1-2 inches in various areas, leading to flash flooding in some regions. Additionally, the storm created challenging conditions at local airports, with originating flights experiencing a delay rate of 22%, and incoming flights facing a 34% delay rate. Wind gusts exceeded 40 mph in coastal areas, prompting high wind alerts across New England, while coastal flood advisories were issued for parts of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.
Despite the recent cold snap, Boston’s May temperatures continue to trend warmer than the 30-year average of 58 degrees, with the current average at 59.5 degrees. Days with temperatures in the 40s during May are relatively uncommon; however, Boston typically sees one day below 50 degrees each May. Historical data suggests that the frequency of these chilly May days has decreased since the late 1800s, reflecting broader climatic changes.
Meteorologists note that late May cold snaps are becoming increasingly rare in New England. The recent weather pattern aligns with trends indicating that since 2020, 89% of the daily temperature records in Boston have been record highs. This growing prevalence of warmth could signify fewer cold snaps in future years.
Looking ahead to the long Memorial Day weekend, warmer temperatures are expected to return gradually. The forecast for Friday predicts highs in the upper 50s, with Saturday and Sunday anticipated to see temperatures climb into the 60s. By the holiday Monday, abundant sunshine and temperatures reaching into the 70s are expected, promising ideal conditions for outdoor activities, including beach outings.
Additionally, the northern regions, particularly the higher elevations of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, may see some snow accumulation due to the cold air associated with the storm. As winds are predicted to calm down by the end of Friday, improving conditions are anticipated throughout the weekend.
In summary, Boston is currently facing an unexpected May chill due to a spring nor’easter, yet the forecast indicates a return to warmer temperatures just in time for Memorial Day weekend. The fluctuation in temperatures serves as a reminder of the growing climatic shifts affecting the region, with an overall increase in warmer weather being observed over the past few decades.
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Additional Resources
- Boston.com: Meteorologists’ Forecast for Memorial Day Weekend
- Wikipedia: Weather
- CBS News: Noreaster New England Memorial Day Weekend Forecast
- Google Search: Noreaster New England Memorial Day
- Boston Globe: Boston and New England May Summer Heat
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Meteorology
- Weather.com: Spring Temperature Forecast Outlook
- Google News: Spring Noreaster 2025
