Boston is bracing for a weather shift as thunderstorms, accompanied by short bursts of heavy rain and gusty winds, are anticipated from mid- to late afternoon.
Those planning to spend Thursday night outdoors can expect the city and surrounding areas to remain dry, with temperatures dipping into the upper 50s and low 60s under partly cloudy skies.
As the day unfolds, a cold front is set to push through New England, bringing along a mixture of sunshine and clouds. Boston will bask in the sun’s warmth early on, but this more potent front will start to penetrate from the northwest by mid-morning.
This front is significant for its ability to usher in dry air while simultaneously triggering scattered showers and thunderstorms throughout the region.
By mid- to late morning, New Hampshire, Vermont, and the western parts of Massachusetts can expect an increase in cloud cover as scattered precipitation begins to make its presence felt, eventually reaching Greater Boston by the afternoon.
For those heading to their weekend getaways early, be prepared for the possibility of encountering a downpour or a thunderstorm, some of which may be severe with accompanying strong winds.
Travelers heading to Cape Cod may enjoy dry weather for the longest stretch, as scattered showers are predicted to set in only later in the evening, primarily after 5 or 6 p.m.
Rainfall totals should remain manageable, generally under a half-inch across the region. As showers are likely to be scattered, anyone attending fireworks on Thursday night may want to keep an eye on the radar, as staying dry could be a toss-up particularly near the Cape.
Morning temperatures will start in the upper 60s to low 70s, with some areas along the coast experiencing fog. As the day progresses, temperatures are expected to soar into the upper 80s and low 90s for Greater Boston with abundant morning sunshine.
Following the passage of the cold front, skies are likely to clear somewhat, leading to comfortable evening temperatures in the upper 50s to low 60s.
Regarding humidity, the drier air associated with the front will result in a notable decrease in dew points, dropping from the low to mid-60s prior to the front’s arrival, down to the upper 50s after sunset. This change will create a more pleasant atmosphere for the nighttime hours.
Looking ahead, the Fourth of July holiday is shaping up to be particularly delightful across the region. Apart from a few lingering showers in Northern Maine, the remainder of New England, including Boston, is expected to enjoy predominately sunny skies with temperatures hovering around the upper 70s and low 80s.
Dew points throughout the day will remain in the comfortable 50s, accompanied by a light northwesterly breeze under 10 miles per hour. This forecast sets the stage for a perfect day filled with beach outings, barbecues, or adventures on hiking trails and by the lakeside.
For Greater Boston, Thursday will begin with sunny conditions, although some clouds will build in the afternoon with highs reaching the low 90s. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are anticipated during the later part of the afternoon, with overnight lows falling to the low 60s under partly cloudy skies.
Southeastern Massachusetts can expect partly to mostly sunny conditions, with temperatures reaching the upper 80s and low 90s. Cloud cover will increase by late afternoon, paving the way for scattered showers, likely arriving after 5 or 6 p.m. Nighttime lows are predicted to settle into the upper 50s and low 60s.
Central and Western Massachusetts will also start mostly sunny, with highs pushing close to 90 degrees; in the Berkshires, temperatures will be around the low to mid-80s. This area is likely to see scattered showers by late morning, while Worcester may experience storm chances by mid-afternoon. After the cold front passes, some clearing is expected with lows in the upper 50s to low 60s.
The Cape and Islands will enjoy partly to mostly sunny skies for much of the day, following some morning fog. High temperatures will range from the upper 70s to low 80s, coupled with a light breeze around 10 mph. Scattered showers may sneak in during the evening hours, with some clearing anticipated later at night, allowing temperatures to drop to the low to mid-60s.
In Rhode Island, mostly sunny skies should dominate, with highs reaching into the upper 80s and low 90s. Showers may occur in the early to mid-afternoon, but skies are expected to clear overnight, with lows in the low to mid-60s.
New Hampshire will see a mix of partly sunny skies to start, transitioning to more clouds as the morning progresses. Afternoon showers and thunderstorms are in the forecast, with highs reaching into the low to mid-80s and overnight lows dipping into the upper 50s.
In Vermont and Maine, clouds are likely to build in the morning, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms later on, particularly for coastal Maine. Highs will range from the upper 70s to low 80s, with lows settling in the upper 50s under clearing skies.
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