Weekend weather: What you need to know for every activity you have planned
Fine summer weather continues this weekend with another two days of (mostly) sunshine.
The humidity levels have finally become more manageable, and will likely remain that way throughout the first half of the upcoming weekend. Generally, this is going to be a very nice summer weekend.
The short forecast is that it will be mostly sunny with highs from 78 to 88 degrees, with a few possible exceptions.
Saturday could see some pop-up storms west of Route 495, and more likely over the Berkshires. I believe Saturday will be the sunniest day at the beaches. Sunday will bring a chance of scattered showers later in the day, even at the coastline. The timing of these showers will likely change a bit over the next 48 hours, so check the latest forecast throughout the weekend. If showers do occur this weekend, they will most likely be late Sunday.
Humidity will be in check on Saturday but will increase to more uncomfortable levels later on Sunday.
The extreme drought area has expanded over the past week and now includes more of eastern Massachusetts. This is the most severe this index has been for our area since it was created back in 1999. For many areas around Boston, this is the driest summer ever recorded. I did find a map from 1965 showing much of the area in a similar drought that summer.
This year’s drought is similar to one that occurred 51 years ago.
And now, with all that said, here’s what to expect this weekend.
If you’re going hiking, biking, or running…
Keep an eye to the sky for possible pop-up showers over the western areas of New England on Saturday and again on Sunday. This pattern isn’t expected to bring anything heavy, but I don’t want you to be surprised if a shower occurs in these areas. Otherwise it will be sunny and dry on Saturday with a few more clouds on Sunday afternoon along the coastal plain.
If you’re going beaching and boating…
I would consider this a great beach weekend. It will be warm enough, even at the beach, to go swimming. Water temperatures will be in the 70s across southern New England, and even up to southern Maine. This is amazingly warm water for this region, so take advantage. Tides will be high between 12:30 and 1:30 along east-facing beaches.
Predicted high temperatures for Saturday. Sunday will be similar.
If you’re playing soccer, softball, baseball, or golf…
Saturday’s forecast: Comfortable humidity make it ideal for outdoor athletic games. Some morning dew will slow play on the golf greens and leave you with damp shoes if you’re walking through the grass early.
Sunday’s outlook: Humidity creeps up in the afternoon. Watch later forecasts to see if shower activity is predicted to move in late Sunday, but this would be widely scattered if it occurred (and mainly for western New England).
If you’re gardening…
I wrote a piece about what you can plant this time of year to harvest this fall. It’s quite easy to get things germinating the second part of August, just be sure to keep things evenly moist. Watering is a garden’s biggest challenge this weekend; water early and for long periods of time.
If you’re running errands…
Get errands done early to take advantage of the sunshine either day, or do them in the middle of the day to avoid the warmest temperatures.
If you’re going to a concert, outdoor party, or wedding…
I don’t see any issues with rainouts for outdoor plans. If you’re headed to any venue and will be sitting in the sun for long periods of time, be sure to bring the sunscreen. The sun is still very strong in mid-to-late August. Humidity does increase Sunday evening and makes it feel a bit more uncomfortable.
I will be updating the forecast on Twitter @growingwisdom throughout the weekend.
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