Weekend weather: What you need to know for every activity you have planned
More sunshine and milder temperatures are coming to New England this weekend.
Monday seems like a long, long time ago when temperatures were mild and the sun was bright. After Thursday’s torrential rain and even some thunder, Friday will be a somewhat drier day, but with a lot of clouds. I can’t rule out a shower or two as we get ready for the weekend, but any rain will be quick and not amount to very much.
The jet stream is in a transition Friday from a cool and stormy configuration to a much drier and much warmer one. It will still take a couple of days to iron out the changes, meaning don’t expect 70-degree weather Saturday but you should see some of that early next week.
Those of you living close to the water, say within a few miles, remember sea breezes can and often do knock temperatures back several degrees. There are times when Framingham is 70 and Boston is 54. This is typical spring in this part of the country and should be expected.
After all the rain the past week, our drought is now almost over. While this is great news, it won’t take but a few dry weeks to set us back on a path of dryness again. Hopefully, we are in a more regular pattern of precipitation now that will take us into summer when the main way we receive rainfall is via showers and scattered thunderstorms.
If you’re hitting the roads this weekend…
Dry weather means no puddles and certainly no more winter weather problems. You could take out your driveway stakes at this point if you haven’t done so and run the snowblower dry.
If you’re heading to Logan airport…
Other than some snow around Montana the entire lower 48 look dry this weekend. This means airport delays from weather will be virtually non-existent. There can always be some fog, however, in the morning.
If you’re going skiing…
There is still a ton of snow, especially in Maine and much of northern New England. If you are skiing bring along plenty of sunscreen. The sun is as strong as it would be in early September and the added elevation means less atmosphere to protect you from a sunburn.
Ski in the morning for the best conditions as the warmer afternoons create heavier snow.
Over two feet of snow remains in the mountains of Maine.
If you’re playing any field games or golf…
Fields will be wet and even covered in puddles depending on how well they drain early Saturday. The driest day underfoot is Sunday, after a day of sunshine and drying conditions. Look for lots of greening up of the grass this weekend.
It turns a bit milder Saturday under a blend of clouds and sunshine.
If you’re going hiking or running…
It’s muddy in the woods after all the rain, and there is still snow in northern New England. If you want to do an early spring hike know what you are getting yourself into before heading north. Ice and snow can be deep and treacherous without the right footwear. This is a great weekend for a run or walk outside along the roads.
Sunday turns mild with almost 100 percent sunshine.
If you’re gardening …
Time to put down spring products on your lawn and in your garden. It’s also a great time to plant. Local garden centers are filling up with new products or showing off stuff from last year that they put in greenhouses.
I will be updating the forecast on Twitter @growingwisdom throughout the weekend.
