Rain is coming back to Massachusetts this weekend, and parts of the state are likely to get hit twice. One batch is expected later Saturday, then another on Sunday, with Southeastern Massachusetts and especially Cape Cod looking wettest.
That matters now because most of Southern New England should lose at least half of each day to wet weather, right as people try to squeeze in weekend plans. The air stays muggy, but clouds will also keep temperatures from turning very warm, leaving most places stuck in the 70s.
The numbers are broad, but the pattern is clear. Greater Boston is expected to see clouds thicken on Saturday, with showers arriving and highs in the 70s, then showers ending Sunday with evening clearing and temperatures of 75 to 80. Central and Western Mass. should see showers arrive Saturday and end Sunday, with highs in the upper 70s both days. Rhode Island is expected to turn cloudy Saturday with showers, then clear late Sunday. New Hampshire is likely to see dim sunshine Saturday morning, clouds in the afternoon and showers at night, followed by a few more showers Saturday night into Sunday.
The wettest stretch is likely to be along the southeastern edge of the region. Southeastern Mass. is expected to see showers arrive Saturday, more showers on Sunday and highs in the 70s, while Cape Cod and the islands are likely to see a period of rain on Saturday before it ends Sunday. That leaves the coast with the longest and most persistent rain, even as other parts of the region pick up and put down showers through the weekend.
There is still one timing question that could change how Sunday feels. If the rain ends by 1 or 2 p.m., temperatures may rebound near 80 degrees. If the system moves more slowly, clouds and showers would linger longer, and the warmer afternoon would never fully show up. That is the difference between a damp finish and a mostly washed-out Sunday.
The rain also comes after a very dry stretch. This month has seen just one day of measurable precipitation, so the weekend system will be noticed quickly, even if it is uneven from place to place. With summer vacations winding down and some students headed into the final weekend before school starts, the forecast gives people a narrow window to plan around the wettest hours rather than the whole day.
