Boston, Massachusetts — After months of rain-soaked weekends and gloomy skies, New England residents are once again preparing for another stretch of wet and chilly weather to close out the spring season.
Forecasters say the final weekend before the start of meteorological summer on Monday is expected to continue the frustrating pattern that has dominated much of the Northeast since March.
Rainy Pattern Continues Across New England
According to the FOX Forecast Center, another widespread round of rainfall is expected to move across portions of New England this weekend, with some areas potentially seeing 1 to 2 inches of rain.
The region has already endured an unusually soggy spring, with several cities recording precipitation during most weekends since the beginning of meteorological spring on March 1.
Boston, in particular, has experienced an exceptionally wet pattern this season.
Since March began, the city has recorded measurable precipitation during 10 out of 13 weekends, and this upcoming weekend could become the 11th rainy weekend of the season.
Weather System Bringing Cooler Air
Meteorologists say an Omega block weather pattern is developing this week, allowing an area of low pressure from southeastern Canada to move into New England on Saturday.
The system is expected to drag cooler air into the Northeast while also producing periods of rain across multiple states.
However, forecasters noted the storm system lacks abundant moisture, meaning rainfall is expected to remain mostly light rather than producing widespread severe flooding concerns.
Rain is forecast to begin moving through Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine on Saturday morning before gradually shifting eastward.
Rain Could Linger Through Sunday
Although some locations may briefly dry out, the slow-moving nature of the weather system could allow showers to linger across interior New England and parts of Massachusetts through Saturday afternoon and into Sunday.
Forecasters say portions of Maine may continue seeing rain into Sunday as clouds and damp conditions persist across the region.
The extended stretch of gloomy weather has frustrated many residents hoping for warmer spring conditions ahead of summer.
Cold Temperatures Could Bring Snow to Higher Peaks
In addition to the rain, cooler temperatures are expected to settle across the Northeast this weekend.
Morning lows early Sunday could drop into the mid-to-lower 40s across much of New England.
Meanwhile, higher elevations in New Hampshire and Maine could see temperatures dip into the mid-30s, cold enough for snowfall in some mountain areas.
Forecasters say Mount Washington and the highest peaks of the far northern White Mountains could potentially receive some late-season snow due to the unusually cool air mass.
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While accumulations are expected to remain limited, the possibility of snow highlights just how chilly conditions may become heading into June.
Brighter Weather May Finally Be Ahead
Despite the gloomy weekend forecast, meteorologists say there may finally be relief on the horizon for weather-weary New England residents.
According to the Climate Prediction Center’s eight-to-14-day outlook, conditions heading into the first week of June are expected to feature above-average temperatures and below-average precipitation.
That forecast suggests the persistent rainy weekend pattern that has plagued much of spring could soon begin breaking down as summer approaches.
For many residents across the Northeast, the potential arrival of warmer and drier weather cannot come soon enough.
How has the rainy spring weather affected your plans this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
