Weekend weather: What you need to know for every activity you have planned
Sunday will be the sunniest day, but Saturday won't be a washout.
We’ve grown accustomed to day after day of sunshine, but having some showers in the forecast is also part of a summer pattern. This weekend, Sunday is clearly going to be the better weather day, but Saturday won’t be a washout. Overall, this weekend is going to be what I would call a typical August weekend.
A cold front will push through the region on Saturday. The exact timing of this front will determine if we see showers and thunderstorms and also if any storms reach strong or severe levels. Presently, I think this will be more of a scattered shower event and that there won’t be much in the way of strong or severe storms. The system will move off the coast on Saturday afternoon, and the period from Saturday evening through Sunday evening will be dry with lowering levels of humidity.
I wouldn’t cancel any plans on Saturday unless you need 100-percent assurance it won’t rain. Otherwise, just keep one eye to the sky, the other on your favorite weather app, and you should be able to dodge any rain showers or thunderstorms with ease.
Highs on Saturday, August 6, 2016.
If you’re in the Pan-Mass Challenge…
One of the biggest biking events of the year takes place this weekend. Sunday will be dry, but on Saturday, riders will experience clouds, a few showers, and possible storms. Those showers could take place in the morning and again during the early afternoon. It will feel humid, and clouds will dominate, although there will be sunny periods, as well.
If you are going hiking or running…
Saturday will have clouds, plus those showers and storms. However, any wet weather won’t last long: Showers are possible in the morning and early afternoon, later over Cape Cod, but all areas should be clear of rain during the evening. Humidity will be high on Saturday and then lower on Sunday. Highs will be in the 80s inland and the 70s over Cape Cod and at the higher elevations of Northern New England on both days.
If you’re going beaching and boating…
North Shore of Massachusetts, New Hampshire Seacoast, and the coast of Maine: This weekend, the tides will be high in the 2:30 to 3:30 range in Boston and on other east-facing beaches. Water temperatures are approaching their maximums for the year, getting into the 70s in most places, but staying in the 60s along Maine’s shoreline. Saturday won’t be a good beach day, but Sunday will be. Look for temperatures in the 70s to lower 80s on both days.
Highs on Sunday, August 7, 2016.
If you’re playing soccer, softball, baseball, or golf…
Saturday’s forecast: There could be a few light showers in the morning, wetting the playing fields and golf greens, and there is a chance of showers throughout the day.
Sunday’s outlook: This is the pick of the weekend. Lower humidity, plenty of sunshine, and warm temperatures makes this an ideal day for early August weekend activities.
If you’re gardening…
Drought, drought, and more drought. (Did I mention drought?) Water what plants you can, and get the weeds out. Remember: Weeds take water from your trees, shrubs, perennials, and vegetables. Here are more tips about gardening in a drought.
If you’re running errands…
If it’s feasible, plan on doing errands on Saturday. This will be the cloudiest day and the only day this weekend when rain is possible. Sunday’s weather looks great.
If you’re going to a concert, outdoor party, or wedding…
Humidity will be high on Saturday, and you might briefly get wet. Sunday will be the best day for spending the entire day outdoors.
I will be updating the forecast on Twitter @growingwisdom throughout the weekend.
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