Boston is in for a stormy Thursday, with showers and thunderstorms likely this afternoon, a high near 80°F, and south winds gusting to 39 mph — keep a compact travel umbrella close and rethink any afternoon outdoor plans.
Today’s Setup
An approaching warm front is the story. Showers spread across the region early this morning, and the key question is how soon Boston enters the warm sector of a passing low-pressure system. The National Weather Service notes wind shear values rarely seen across southern New England, raising the possibility of strong straightline winds and — in the worst case — an isolated tornado. The main severe weather threat remains to our west and south, but the NWS says it’s possible across our area. Expect showers before 2 PM ET, then thunderstorms likely through the afternoon. South winds 7–22 mph with gusts to 39 mph — blustery along the Esplanade and around the Seaport.
Fenway Weather and Red Sox Game
The Boston Red Sox host the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park today, June 18 — and conditions are rough. A 62% rain chance and 39 mph wind gusts make tailgating on Lansdowne Street a real challenge. Storms may ease somewhat by evening (30% chance after 7 PM ET), but come fully prepared. A Boston Red Sox jersey under a packable rain jacket is the right fan setup today, and a Boston Red Sox fitted cap keeps the rain off your face at first pitch. Get tickets on SeatGeek or Find tickets on StubHub if you haven’t locked in seats yet.
What To Wear and Bring
South winds plus heavy rain will turn a standard umbrella inside out today. A packable rain jacket is the smarter call — hands-free and wind-resistant. Add waterproof hiking boots if you’re doing any serious walking around Beacon Hill, Back Bay, or the waterfront. Front-load your outdoor errands to this morning; the riskiest window is mid-afternoon before the front pushes through.
This Weekend’s Events
Tonight (June 18): Martin Garrix plays Agganis Arena — indoors and storm-safe. Budget extra travel time getting there in the rain and wind.
Juneteenth (June 19): Sunny and 84°F with zero rain chance — one of the better days in recent memory for an outdoor celebration. Southern Hospitality Tour: The Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers at Xfinity Center will have ideal conditions for an outdoor show. Les Miserables opens at Citizens Opera House the same evening. Find tickets on StubHub for either.
Saturday (June 20): Jimmy Eat World brings 25 Years of Bleed American to MGM Music Hall at Fenway — weekend conditions look excellent. Looking ahead to June 23, The Strokes hit TD Garden; grab a The Strokes t-shirt for the occasion and Get tickets on SeatGeek before they’re gone.
Dinner Idea and Next Few Days
Skip the grill tonight — it’s slow cooker weather. Set up a programmable slow cooker with beef chili or a hearty stew before you head out, and come home to dinner already waiting when the storms clear. An enameled cast iron Dutch oven works just as well for a stovetop pot of soup. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
The weekend looks excellent — Juneteenth Friday and Saturday are dry, mostly sunny, with highs in the low-to-mid 80s and refreshing west winds. The NWS flags a potential soaking rain to kick off next week, but forecasters say that’s not yet set in stone. Stay current with the Boston weather forecast and check outdoor gear deals to stay ahead of whatever comes next.
