Coastal storm to deliver soaking rain ahead of Memorial Day weekend

If you were hoping for an early taste of summer this Memorial Day weekend, we’ve got some classic New England curveballs instead.

A storm center to our south will develop into a nor’easter and sweep through the region Thursday. Boston will be right in the thick of it, with heavy rain, gusty winds and that raw, damp chill we all know too well.

Let’s break down what you can expect heading into the long weekend.

Rain will fill in across eastern Massachusetts early Thursday morning between 7 and 9 a.m. It will continue steadily and at times heavily through the remainder of Thursday.

The steadiest rain will end early Friday, between 5 and 7 a.m. Totals of 1 to 2 inches are widespread. But in and around Boston, up to 3 inches isn’t out of the question.

Keep an eye on:

This is a true soaking — umbrellas won’t be optional, and if you’re out and about Thursday, plan on full rain gear.

The wind ramps up Thursday, with gusts over 40 mph possible in Boston by the late afternoon through the evening, and potential for gusts over 50 mph on Cape Cod and the Islands. Winds shift briefly out of the southwest on Cape Cod as the storm center passes near the canal.

With leaves on the trees now and a soggy ground, some pockets of isolated wind damage are likely in eastern Massachusetts, especially at the coast.

There’s also minor coastal flooding and splash over potential along the eastern Massachusetts shoreline, especially around the Thursday evening high tide cycle — so if you live or commute near the waterfront, keep that in mind.

Yes, but don’t panic, Boston. This part is just for the mountains. Cold air aloft is allowing snow to fall above 3,000 feet across parts of Vermont, New Hampshire and northern Maine. Mount Washington may pick up half a foot or more, and even some valley locations could see a few stray flakes mixing in.

Still, it’s a reminder this is one cold late-May storm.

Here’s how things shape up for the long weekend: