An overcast and drizzly day is ahead for Massachusetts on Thursday before a storm brings heavy rainfall beginning in the early evening and continuing overnight.
It will be slightly warmer on Thursday than it was on Wednesday, with temperatures climbing as high as the low 60s. But by about 4 p.m., Massachusetts will see heavy rain, National Weather Service forecasters say.
The rain is expected to begin in Western Massachusetts between 4 and 6 p.m., before making its way north and east to Worcester, then Boston and the coast by the evening. Easterly winds are expected to pick up as the storm arrives, with gusts eventually reaching 20 to 30 mph.
Forecasters expect the rain to slowly taper off beginning around 2 a.m. Friday. In all, 1 to 2 inches of rain is likely to fall while the storm makes its way through the state, though there is a chance for 2 to 3 inches on Cape Cod and parts of Rhode Island.
“Given the (fast-moving) nature of the system, widespread flooding impacts are not likely,” forecasters wrote. “As the heavier rain enters tonight, will need to watch for any potential for nuisance flooding in poor drainage areas.”
Conditions should slowly dry out Friday morning as a dry slot makes its way into the region. Still, there is a chance for some residual showers on Friday.
The bigger concern on Friday is gusty to strong westerly winds, extending into Friday night. Winds will begin to pick up in the mid-afternoon, with gusts of 30 to 40 mph.
Higher elevations like the Berkshires and Worcester Hills, as well as coastal areas like the Cape and Islands are likely to be at the greatest risk of strong gusts in that range, with a chance for winds faster than 40 mph.
Temperatures on Friday should remain about normal for late October, in the mid-50s approaching 60. It will be cooler on Halloween night, with temperatures falling to the 40s and gusts making it feel chillier than that.
“Overall, expect a gusty Halloween night,” forecasters wrote. “We advise securing any decorations that could easily fly away!”
The gusting winds will continue into Saturday, then gradually decrease in the afternoon. Dry conditions are expected to last through at least Monday, with a “very low chance for showers” early next week.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
