Weather Data Source: weather forecast Boston 30 days

Nor’easter Set to Hit Boston This Weekend

Storm clouds and rain approaching Boston during a nor'easter

Boston, October 12, 2025

News Summary

A nor’easter is forecasted to impact Boston from Sunday through Tuesday, coinciding with a busy holiday weekend. Heavy rain, strong winds, and coastal flooding are expected, with the worst conditions likely occurring Sunday evening into Monday. Residents should prepare for travel disruptions and outdoor activity limitations due to inclement weather. Rainfall estimates indicate 1-3 inches, with some areas receiving up to 5 inches. Wind gusts could reach 30-60 mph along coastal regions, prompting advisories and warnings for residents.

Boston — A nor’easter is expected to hit Boston from Sunday through Tuesday, coinciding with a busy holiday weekend known for fall weather activities in New England. The storm will bring heavy rain, rising seas and strong northeast winds that are likely to disrupt travel and outdoor plans across southern New England, with the worst conditions expected Sunday evening into Monday.

What to expect and when

Rain and timing: Rain is expected to arrive from the south to the north beginning Sunday afternoon, with worst impacts from Sunday evening into Monday. Rain is likely to begin in extreme southeastern Massachusetts by midday Sunday, continuing into the afternoon.

Sunday: Sunday is characterized as a transition day with temperatures 5-10 degrees cooler than Saturday and increasing cloud cover. Filtered sunshine is expected in northern areas on Sunday, making it suitable for outdoor activities like hiking. The storm’s northeast winds will begin to pick up with gusts of 25-35 mph. The storm is anticipated to arrive in full force on Sunday evening and throughout Monday.

Monday (peak): Monday is expected to be the peak of the storm, with heavy rain and strong winds primarily affecting southern New England. Northernmost New England is projected to remain mainly dry but overcast and cool on Monday. Wind gusts on Monday are forecasted to reach 30-45 mph across coastal areas, and 45-60 mph on Cape Cod and the Islands. A wind advisory is in effect for Barnstable County and a wind warning for Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard starting Sunday evening. There may be isolated wind damage and power outages but no significant widespread issues are expected.

Tuesday: On Tuesday, the storm will linger and begin to weaken, resulting in continued but less intense rainfall and diminishing winds.

Coastal and flooding concerns

Rainfall totals are estimated to be highest on the east and southeast coasts of Massachusetts, with a conservative estimate of 1-3 inches and isolated areas possibly receiving 4-5 inches. The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Advisory starting Sunday afternoon, with minor flooding expected in low-lying coastal areas. Forecasts indicate approximately half a foot of inundation on vulnerable coastal roads, with no significant flood threat for Boston. A Coastal Flood Watch is in effect from Sunday morning to Monday evening.

Wave heights are expected to reach 5-10 feet offshore early in the week, escalating to 10-20 feet by Monday afternoon. High winds and minor coastal flooding are expected, particularly during high tide on Monday. Officials advise residents in flood-prone areas to prepare by clearing storm drains and securing outdoor items.

Impacts on travel, recreation, and local businesses

Tens of thousands of people typically travel north for hiking and enjoying fall foliage during this time, and local farms are expected to be busy with apple and pumpkin pickers. This weekend is also popular for closing lake homes and securing boats for winter. The storm is expected to disrupt transportation and slow Monday morning commutes, emphasizing the need for patience. Travelers and residents should plan for delays, slower road speeds, and possible short-term outages in coastal and exposed areas.

Safety and preparation

  • Prepare for strong northeast winds and secure loose outdoor items before Sunday evening.
  • Clear storm drains and take steps to protect vehicles and property in low-lying coastal areas.
  • Avoid nonessential travel during the peak on Monday if possible; expect slower commutes and limited visibility in heavy rain.
  • Monitor local advisories for any changes to wind warnings, flood watches or advisories affecting specific communities.

Background

This storm marks the first real storm of the season, with storm season in New England ranging from October to April. Nor’easters during this period commonly bring a combination of heavy rain, strong onshore winds and elevated coastal water levels that can produce localized flooding and hazardous marine conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the nor’easter affect Boston?

A nor’easter is expected to hit Boston from Sunday through Tuesday, coinciding with a busy holiday weekend known for fall weather activities in New England.

How much rain is expected?

Rainfall totals are estimated to be highest on the east and southeast coasts of Massachusetts, with a conservative estimate of 1-3 inches and isolated areas possibly receiving 4-5 inches.

When will rain begin in southeastern Massachusetts?

Rain is likely to begin in extreme southeastern Massachusetts by midday Sunday, continuing into the afternoon.

What are the expected wind speeds?

Wind gusts on Monday are forecasted to reach 30-45 mph across coastal areas, and 45-60 mph on Cape Cod and the Islands.

Are there any wind alerts?

A wind advisory is in effect for Barnstable County and a wind warning for Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard starting Sunday evening.

Will there be flooding along the coast?

The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Advisory starting Sunday afternoon, with minor flooding expected in low-lying coastal areas.

How high could waves get offshore?

Wave heights are expected to reach 5-10 feet offshore early in the week, escalating to 10-20 feet by Monday afternoon.

How will this affect travel and outdoor activities?

The storm is expected to disrupt transportation and slow Monday morning commutes, emphasizing the need for patience.

What should residents in flood-prone areas do?

Officials advise residents in flood-prone areas to prepare by clearing storm drains and securing outdoor items.


Quick Reference

Item Details
Storm window Sunday through Tuesday
Peak impact Sunday evening into Monday (Monday peak)
Rainfall 1-3 inches (east & southeast coasts), isolated 4-5 inches
Winds Gusts 25-35 mph starting Sunday; 30-45 mph coastal Monday; 45-60 mph on Cape Cod and the Islands
Advisories/Warnings Coastal Flood Advisory starting Sunday afternoon; Coastal Flood Watch Sunday morning to Monday evening; Wind advisory for Barnstable County; Wind warning for Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard starting Sunday evening
Coastal inundation Approximately half a foot on vulnerable coastal roads; no significant flood threat for Boston
Wave heights 5-10 feet offshore early, 10-20 feet by Monday afternoon
Preparedness Clear drains, secure outdoor items, expect travel delays

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Coastal Storm to Impact Massachusetts This Weekend
Indictment in Worcester Murder Case from 2009
Coastal Storm Threatens New England with Heavy Rain and Winds
Amazon’s October Prime Day: Golf Gear Discounts You Can’t Miss!
Boston Mayor Unveils Public Safety Initiatives to Tackle Crime
New England Faces Sharp Temperature Drop and Freeze Warnings
Ryder Cup Drama on Long Island Draws Attention
Framingham Welcomes New L.L. Bean Store This November
Sally’s Apizza Opens First Location in Boston’s Dorchester
Europe Dominates Ryder Cup with Impressive Victory

Additional Resources

STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER

BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!
Advertising Opportunity:

Stay Connected

More Updates

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Sign Up Now and get your local business listed!