On Thursday, a surge of warm air moved northward on a southerly flow, sending temperatures into the upper 60s and lower 70s this afternoon as the marine air pushed farther to the north.
Worcester hit a high of 76 degrees and Norwood a high of 72 in the afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.
A few showers were expected this afternoon and tonight.
It’s important to remember that the Atlantic waters off our coast are still in the 40s and lower 50s. Anytime the wind flips around and comes from the east or off that chilly Atlantic, our temperatures this time of the year will reflect that coolness.
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The gradient can be quite dramatic, with temperatures at Logan International Airport 20 degrees cooler than, for instance, Norwood where the sea breeze doesn’t penetrate.
On Friday, it’s back to the marine air with temperatures in the 50s along the coastline, rising to near 60 around the Route 128 belt and well into the 60s southwest of Interstate 495. You can expect a blend of clouds and sunshine; the chance of precipitation is quite low. We should have the same sort of forecast for Saturday.
Sunday brings a renewed chance of showers, especially in the afternoon, along with cloudiness and temperatures mostly in the 50s. If I had to pick one of the two weekend days to be outside, I would favor Saturday.
Early next week the warmer air should take over for several days in a row in the lower and even middle 70s.
You’ve probably noticed a lot of leaves popping out over the past 24 hours and this trend will only become more pronounced through the weekend and into next week. Once we get to the second weekend of May, the darker green will begin to take over with that wonderful spring lime color darkening with billions of chloroplasts.
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Thursday breakdown:
Southern New England: The region will burst into the milder air for one day on Thursday with temperatures at or a little above 70 in many locations. It will be cooler for the coastline, where a gentle sea breeze knocks readings back in the afternoon. There’s a slight chance of showers in the morning.
Western Mass.: A mix of clouds and sunshine will boost temperatures into the lower and even middle 70s in the afternoon. There could be a quick shower before nightfall.
Northern New England: A few showers are likely from Vermont through New Hampshire and southern Maine in the morning into the early afternoon. Clouds will hang tough and temperatures will be in the 50s over northern areas to the 60s over the interior south.
Cape and Islands: Other than an early shower, clouds should break for at least some splashes of sunshine in the afternoon with temperatures in the 50s to lower 60s a few miles away from the water.
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