Weekend weather: What you need to know for every activity you have planned
Most of rain stays south of area this weekend, Cape Cod sees some Sunday
Some years, there’s only one weekend between Mother’s Day and Memorial Day weekends, but this year, there are two. This is a big weekend for outdoor activities. Weddings, proms, and graduations are common throughout New England, and many of you are wishing for the weather to cooperate. Because Memorial Day is so late, this is also a good weekend to plant your garden and not wait until the final days of the month.
This is what I call a split weekend of weather. Saturday will be dry all day and there won’t be any weather issues. There is a chance of showers Saturday night and Sunday, but many of you won’t see anything. The best bet for rain is over Cape Cod.
If you’re going hiking, biking, or running…
Both mornings this weekend will be cool and, therefore, a nice chance for active outdoor activities. It may be a bit warm Saturday during the middle of the day for a long, hard run. Sunday is a cloudier and cooler day, with a breeze off the ocean. Even in the afternoon on Sunday, a run or long bike ride will be comfortable if you don’t mind a shower or two. The Cape will be the wettest area with the best chance of a steady rain early in the morning. During the balance of the day, there is a risk of a shower, but mostly it’s dry.
High temperatures on Saturday, May 21, 2016.
If you’re going beaching and boating…
By my definition, beach days are mostly sunny with temperatures in the 80s or higher. We still have yet to have a beach day this season, and this weekend won’t bring one. However, many of you (and I) love the beach any time of the year. Saturday will be a good day to take a walk on the beach.
Tides are high around noon Saturday and about 1 p.m. Sunday. The wind will be light from the south on Saturday and from the east on Sunday. Tides are running average height.
If you’re playing soccer, softball, baseball, or golf…
Saturday’s forecast: It will be comfortably cool for the early games on Saturday. A bit of dew will dry quickly, and light winds won’t affect any of your activities on the fields.
Sunday’s outlook: Yesterday it appeared wet fields and even cancellations for activities early Sunday, but latest indications are for the rain to miss us. Look for my updates on Twitter @growingwisdom throughout the weekend.
High temperatures on Sunday, May 22, 2016.
If you’re gardening…
I’m planting tomatoes this weekend—those plants can handle some cool nights. Peppers, eggplants, and basil are all available at local garden centers, but I’m waiting another week to plant mine. I like to wait until the soil warms a bit more for those, and we just haven’t had a lot of warm weather yet. Sunday is a perfect day to go to local garden centers. Cool and damp weather gives the plants a burst of energy, and the crowds are smaller.
If you’re running errands…
With a lot of sunshine on Saturday, your car will heat up rapidly if you’re parked in the sun. Temperatures in a vehicle can exceed 100 degrees, even on a day when it’s only in the 70s outside. I always find the shadiest spot in a parking lot. If you need to park in the sun, point the car with the back facing the sun to minimize heating. On Sunday, you’ll need the umbrella in morning over Cape Cod.
If you’re heading to Fenway…
The Cleveland Indians are in town this weekend, with a game Friday night, as well as one late in the afternoon on Saturday and one early in the afternoon on Sunday. There is no risk to the game on Saturday. Sunday’s game should also be able to be played, although there could be a quick shower. Bring a jacket on Sunday; it will be chilly.
You can follow Dave Epstein on Twitter @growingwisdom.
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