Weekend weather: What you need to know for every activity you have planned
It'll be a hot one, with a few scattered chances for rain.
It’s the second half of July, and traditionally some of the hottest and most humid air masses arrive this time of year. If you like heat and humidity, this is your time of year.
Boston will reach 90 degrees on Saturday, and get close on Sunday. The beaches, lakes, backyard pools—or your favorite stream—are all going to be great places to be this weekend.
It’s parents weekends at many camps throughout New England, and no matter where you’re headed, an ice cream will be a welcome treat.
The hot weather will continue this weekend with a couple of chances for showers—and a possible thunderstorm.
High pressure and a northwest flow of air will bring mainly sunny skies and hot temperatures through Saturday and across the region. A fast-moving upper-level storm will rapidly dive southward out of Eastern Canada late Saturday. This will increase our chance for showers and thunderstorms Saturday evening. As the system moves east on Sunday, skies will gradually clear, and temperatures on Sunday will be seasonably warm in the 80’s.
Saturday’s high temperatures.
In the mountains Saturday, there will likely be a few showers and thunderstorms, some producing heavy rain and strong, gusty winds.
If you’re going beaching and boating…
North Shore of Massachusetts, New Hampshire Seacoast, and the coast of Maine: In Boston, tides are high at about 2:30 in the afternoon, give or take, depending on the beach. For boaters on Saturday, expect a westerly wind of about 10 knots, with seas around 2 feet; they’ll be higher in late-day thunderstorms. Sunday winds will shift to a more northerly direction, with wind speeds 10 knots or less, and wave heights 1-2 feet.
Sunday’s high temperatures.
Water temperatures are in the upper 60’s and lower 70’s, the higher readings being further south.
If you’re playing soccer, softball, baseball, or golf…
Saturday’s forecast: Mostly sunny, hot, and moderately humid. There will be a chance of a late-day thunderstorm.
Sunday’s outlook: Early clouds giving way to sunshine. A bit less humid than Saturday. Highs in the 80’s with light winds.
If you’re gardening…
It’s best to water your plants early in the day. Some locations could receive a half-inch of rain with heavier thunderstorm activity. Read more about caring for you plants during the drought here.
If you’re running errands…
Most of the weekend will be rain-free. However, the best time frame for rain and thunderstorm activity will be 5:00 p.m. Saturday to 9:00 a.m. Sunday. Rainfall will not be continuous during this time, but a few periods of wet weather can be expected. Being outdoors should be more comfortable on Sunday afternoon, due to the lower humidity.
If you’re going to a concert, outdoor party or wedding…
Expect hot, moderately humid weather with sunshine through much of Saturday. If you’re outdoors, be sure to drink plenty of fluids (preferably water) to prevent dehydration. The risk for showers and thunderstorms increases after 3:00 p.m. Saturday. Any heavier thunderstorms that occur should diminish by midnight.
Lingering showers are possible through 9:00 a.m. Sunday. By Sunday afternoon, skies should again clear, and temperature will rise through the 80’s. Humidity levels on Sunday afternoon will be slightly lower than Saturday. If you’re out late Saturday or early Sunday morning, keep the umbrella handy.
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