Boston Faces Fifth Consecutive Weekend of Rain and Chill This Spring

BOSTON, Massachusetts — As another weekend approaches, Boston is set to endure its fifth consecutive weekend of wet and chilly weather. The city hasn’t experienced a dry weekend with sunny moments since March 8-9, raising concerns among locals about the persistent spring rain.

“Why can’t we seem to catch a break?” asked local resident Maria Thompson during a drizzle in Boston Common, reflecting a sentiment echoed by many. Meteorologists attribute the ongoing rain to an active spring weather pattern, influenced by increased solar heat and geographical factors.

This spring pattern generates substantial temperature differences between cold and warm air masses, creating conditions conducive to more frequent and intense storms. The Atlantic Ocean’s proximity to New England further complicates the weather landscape, affecting storm tracks and their intensity.

Over the last four weekends, Boston has received over three-quarters of an inch of rain each week, with similar amounts expected through the weekend. “April showers do indeed bring May flowers,” said meteorologist Sarah Jenkins. “But this current spell is likely a result of the ‘prevailing westerlies’ — winds that guide storms across the country.”

The ‘prevailing westerlies’ significantly guide how storms develop and intensify, contributing to the gloomy conditions. As spring unfolds, the sun heats diverse terrains unevenly, causing variations in air masses. This results in ‘Rossby waves,’ pronounced bends in the westerlies that can stagnate weather patterns for prolonged periods.

Experts also note that the emergence of a weak La Niña this past December has influenced weather variability across New England. This climate phenomenon tends to amplify the jet stream, resulting in frequent storms, a trend not seen just this spring but mirrored in the past few years.

Looking ahead, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) anticipates a shift toward more “neutral conditions” in the equatorial Pacific, which could stabilize the weather and potentially yield better weekend forecasts for the upcoming summer.

Despite the ongoing rain, many locals are hopeful for sunnier days ahead. “We’re ready for some quality time outdoors,” said Thompson, who plans to host a family picnic in her backyard once the skies clear. “It’d be nice to see some sunshine again soon.”

As city dwellers bundle up against the chill and mud, a mix of rain and wet snow looms in the forecast for early next week. Meteorologists are advising residents to prepare for fluctuating conditions as spring continues its unpredictable journey in New England.