- Thursday, May 22, 2025
A rare late-season nor’easter is forecast to bring heavy rain, gusty winds, and below-normal temperatures across the Northeast from midweek into early Friday, potentially disrupting travel from Philadelphia to Boston.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
A rare late-season nor’easter is gearing up to hit the Northeast with a mix of soaking rain, strong winds, and unseasonably cool temperatures from Wednesday (21) evening through early Friday (23). The National Weather Service in Boston warned of a “cold windswept heavy rain” affecting the region, with widespread weather-related disruptions expected.
Two systems are in play: one low-pressure area will move through the eastern Great Lakes, while a second coastal low forms off the East Coast. It’s this latter system that will evolve into a nor’easter as it slowly drifts northward near New England, funneling moist northeast winds from the Atlantic. Though typically associated with winter storms, nor’easters can also strike during the warmer months, bringing rain instead of snow.
The main wave of steady rainfall will sweep across much of the Northeast on Thursday, with the heaviest rain expected in southern New England and eastern upstate New York. Areas including Hartford, Providence, and Boston could receive 1 to 2 inches of rain.
Showers will continue through Friday and possibly into Saturday in interior parts of the region. Travelers from Philadelphia to New York City should allow for extra time due to slick roads and possible localized flooding, especially in low-lying urban areas.
There is also a secondary concern for minor flooding in recently saturated areas of the Central Appalachians—stretching from southwest Pennsylvania to northern West Virginia—where ground conditions are already soggy.
Wind will be another factor, with gusts potentially exceeding 45 mph along coastal New England on Thursday. This could lead to minor coastal flooding from the Chesapeake Bay up through southern New England.
Adding to the discomfort will be a noticeable chill. Daytime highs are expected to run 10 to 15 degrees below seasonal averages, hovering in the 50s across much of the region. Conditions should gradually improve over the Memorial Day weekend, with temperatures climbing into the 60s, though it will remain cooler than normal.
As this off-season nor’easter takes shape, those in its path should stay updated on forecasts, plan for delays, and dress for a soggy and blustery end to the week.
