News Summary
New England has recorded unprecedented rainfall in May, offering relief to regions facing an eight-month drought. With up to 4 inches of excess rainfall reported, cities are significantly improving their precipitation deficits. The wet weather is crucial for recovery as forecasts indicate continued cloudy skies and potential showers. Residents are advised to utilize the rainy conditions that aid in alleviating prior drought impacts.
New England Sees Record May Rainfall Amid Ongoing Drought Recovery Efforts
Boston – New England is experiencing record rainfall this May, providing much-needed relief to areas suffering from a drought that has lasted for eight months. The region has had an extraordinary upsurge in precipitation, with reports of up to 4 inches of surplus rainfall, significantly easing the rainfall deficits in major cities.
As temperatures hover between 1 and 5 degrees above average for this time of year, cities such as Westfield/Springfield, Worcester, and Concord, New Hampshire, have notably reduced their precipitation deficits over the past 30 days. Since the beginning of the year, both Boston and Providence have seen substantial decreases in their rainfall gaps, marking progress in recovering from prolonged dry conditions.
Weather forecasts for Thursday indicate mostly cloudy skies accompanied by increased humidity as a result of a southerly flow. Dew points are expected to rise to the low 60s, fostering a humid environment where scattered showers may develop, particularly in the afternoon. High temperatures are anticipated to reach the upper 60s along the coast and low 70s in areas west of I-95. Although Thursday night will remain mostly cloudy with a slight chance of a sprinkle, the day is likely to be predominantly dry, save for brief, isolated showers or thunderstorms.
Weather Patterns and Predictions
The current weather conditions result from a Rex block pattern, characterized by high pressure positioned north of low pressure, leading to a stalled system to the south. Additionally, southern New England is likely to encounter scattered showers, but any thunderstorms that do occur are expected to be brief and limited in intensity.
Looking ahead to Saturday, forecasts predict continuous rain for Greater Boston, potentially leading to the city’s tenth consecutive weekend of precipitation. The last dry weekend recorded in Boston was on March 8-9. Saturday is expected to see temperatures exceed the 70s, thus making Sunday the more favorable day for outdoor activities, likely featuring clearer skies and better weather.
Regional Weather Forecasts
In Greater Boston, conditions will remain mostly cloudy with scattered showers throughout the day, reaching high temperatures in the upper 60s. Southeastern Massachusetts is predicted to experience similar weather with highs also in the upper 60s and a chance of spot showers.
For Central and Western Massachusetts, the forecast includes scattered showers, with temperatures expected to reach the upper 60s to low 70s. The Cape and Islands region is likely to remain mostly cloudy, with expected highs in the mid-60s and light showers possible. In Rhode Island, mostly cloudy skies will prevail, with temperatures ranging from the upper 60s to low 70s and the possibility of isolated showers.
New Hampshire will maintain mostly cloudy weather with isolated showers, with highs projected in the upper 60s to low 70s. Vermont and Maine are also expected to have cloudier skies, with highs in the upper 60s to low 70s and a chance for a few showers, particularly in Vermont.
Conclusion
The ongoing rainfall across New England not only marks a significant weather event for the region but also plays a crucial role in alleviating the drought conditions that have persisted for months. As the weather continues to evolve, residents are advised to stay informed about potential changes and take advantage of the rainy spells that bring reprieve from the dry spells experienced earlier in the year.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Weather: Boston Endures 9th Wet Weekend Row
- AccuWeather: Rain to Drench Mid-Atlantic
- Boston Globe: Boston New England Forecast
- Spectrum News: Heavy Rain Forecast New England
- CT Insider: CT Forecast – Friday Soaker
- Wikipedia: Weather
- Google Search: New England Weather
- Google Scholar: New England Drought
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- Google News: New England Rainfall
