Forecast: Heavy Rain This Evening And Record Warmth Arrives Overnight In Boston

In the world of averages in winter, 30 degrees over or under is quite rare. It’s much less unusual to be 10 or even 20 degrees away from the norm, but when you reach 30, you’re taking only a relatively small number of occurrences.

While last night was mild and today will be as well, the pure tropical air hasn’t arrived. You might see some sunshine early this morning, but clouds will be on the increase and rain arrives later this afternoon and evening.

Today, rain in Boston may be quite heavy this evening, making for a slow ride home. Since tomorrow is Christmas Eve, this is likely going to be a very heavy evening commute, too. The rain is a result of the warm air surging northward ahead of a warm front.

I expect around an inch of rain from this system. The rain is still very much needed to alleviate some of the issues stemming from a dry fall.

Temperatures behind the warm front will surge, and tonight will feel muggy. Christmas Eve records will fall from Washington, D.C. northward to Portland, Maine. Here in southern New England, most climate sites in major cities, like Boston and Worcester, will set new records for warm weather on Dec. 24.

While Christmas won’t be as warm, it will still be near 60. With some sunshine, you could maybe even serve hors d’oeuvres outside!

It will turn colder this weekend and as another storm approaches early next week there might actually be enough cold air to see some snow in some areas. However, as has been the case for the past six weeks, warmer air will win.

You can follow my weather updates on Twitter at @growingwisdom.

Today: Clouds increase with rain showers late in the day. Highs in the 50s.

Tonight: Mild and a bit muggy with showers. Lows 55-60.

Thursday: Lots of clouds, warm. A few showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Highs 65-70.

Christmas Day: Mostly sunny, with a high 56-61.

Saturday: Cooler with a shower. Highs 45-50.

Sunday: Partly cloudy and mild with a shower. Highs 50-55.