Boston is kicking off Wednesday under mostly cloudy skies with a high near 66°F — and while today stays largely dry, a significant rainstorm is loading up for Thursday that every Bostonian should know about before making plans.
Today’s Setup
For now, enjoy it. The National Weather Service says any warm frontal showers this morning stay confined mainly to northern Massachusetts and Connecticut, leaving Back Bay, the South End, and the waterfront mostly untouched. South winds will build through the afternoon, gusting as high as 28 mph — that onshore flow off the harbor keeps our high capped around 66°F, about 5 degrees below normal for mid-May. It’s a breezy, gray Wednesday, but manageable.
Best Window To Be Outside
This morning is your clearest stretch. If you’ve got errands, a walk along the Esplanade, or yard work to finish, get out before noon. A 20% shower chance creeps in between 9 AM and 2 PM ET, but most of Greater Boston stays dry through this afternoon.
The Boston Red Sox host the Philadelphia Phillies today, May 13, at Fenway Park under those gusty, overcast skies. Temps around first pitch should hover in the mid-60s — bring a wind layer. A Boston Red Sox jersey or a Boston Red Sox fitted cap will keep you looking sharp and warm in the bleachers. Need seats? Get tickets on SeatGeek before they’re gone. The New England Revolution also host Nashville SC tonight at Gillette Stadium — same deal: dress in layers, and expect a breezy evening in Foxborough.
Rain and Storm Risk Thursday
Thursday is the day to circle on the calendar. A powerful closed low tracking south of New England will unleash widespread rain starting in the morning, then showers and thunderstorms by afternoon. The National Weather Service puts precipitation odds at 90% Thursday, with 0.25 to 0.50 inches of rain likely and locally up to 2 inches possible over the full event into Friday. Temperatures start near 63°F but tumble to around 57°F by afternoon as the storm deepens.
The Red Sox vs. Phillies game Thursday, May 14 at Fenway, looks like a real weather problem — check for delay announcements before heading to Kenmore Square. If you’re headed to The Head And The Heart: 15th Anniversary Tour at Boch Center Wang Theatre Thursday night, the show is indoors so you’re fine — just build in extra commute time through wet streets. A packable rain jacket in your bag is the move for any Thursday evening plans.
What To Wear
- Wednesday: Light jacket, wind layer — umbrella optional but handy after 9 AM ET
- Thursday: Waterproof boots, a packable rain jacket, and full layers. It will feel raw in the upper 50s with rain.
Rainy Day Dinner Idea
Thursday’s soaker is tailor-made for a low-effort home meal. Set a programmable slow cooker in the morning with a beef chili or chicken stew and come home to dinner already done. If you’d rather be hands-on, an enameled cast iron Dutch oven simmering a big pot of soup is tough to beat on a cold, rainy evening. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
Next Few Days
Friday stays cool and damp as the storm exits — expect lingering drizzle and patchy fog through the morning. Then Boston catches a break: the National Weather Service signals a meaningful warmup this weekend into next week, with above-normal temperatures on the way. Saturday and Sunday look like the reward for enduring Thursday’s soaker. Keep an eye on the Boston weather forecast as the weekend pattern firms up, and check outdoor gear deals if you’re planning to make the most of the sunshine ahead.
