Weather over Labor Day expected to be a cool wrap to a hot summer in Boston

As Bostonians prepare to celebrate the unofficial end of summer this Labor Day weekend, the weather is offering a gentle nudge toward fall — not with a dramatic plunge, but with a cool and comfortable exhale.

August is winding down on a slightly cooler-than-average note. It's a contrast to what has been a summer punctuated by notable heat. Boston has logged 19 days at or above 90 degrees, the most since 2022 (when there were 21). This summer also included two official heat waves. While that doesn't come close to record territory, it was enough to remind us that summer still carries a serious punch.

In terms of overall temperature trends:

As the month closes, the weather pattern is tilting in favor of comfort. A dip in the jet stream has kept New England shielded from the widespread late-summer heat across much of the country.

In terms of precipitation, the area could use some rain. Despite the gloomy spring stretch — pronounced by a record stretch of weekends with at least some wet weather — June wound up with a 2.57-inch deficit for rain. July made up for that a bit, with the month ending up just slightly below average for rainfall (about a quarter inch below average).

So far, the month of August is running nearly 2 inches below average in terms of rainfall. Add it up, and it's understandable why New England has seen drought conditions expand again.

Thursday: Pleasant and dry. Expect filtered sunshine with some high, thin clouds. Highs will climb into the 70s, and the evening will dip into the 50s — even 40s in outlying suburbs. A classic early fall preview.

Friday: This is the most unsettled day of the stretch. A passing disturbance brings scattered showers and downpours, with the potential for embedded thunder and locally heavy rainfall. While it won’t rain all day or everywhere, have rain gear at the ready if you’re making outdoor plans. Humidity briefly ticks upward, but it won't be oppressive.

Saturday: Early sun gives way to building clouds and the chance for a stray sprinkle, mainly north of Boston. In and around the city, it’s a nice day to be outside. Expect highs in the low 70s, a light sea breeze, and just enough clouds to keep it from feeling hot.

Sunday: A pleasant day! Boston will enjoy a mix of sun and clouds, highs in the mid 70s, and comfortably low humidity. A perfect day to enjoy any and all outdoor activities.

Labor Day Monday: The weekend’s best may be saved for last. This will likely be the brightest and warmest day of the holiday weekend with inland highs reaching the mid to upper 70s, while sea breezes keep shoreline temps in the low 70s. No rain expected. Just bring a sweater if you’re heading out early or staying out late — overnight lows will drop into the 50s again.

Friday is the only “weather watch” day of the weekend. Saturday holds onto a few clouds, but Sunday and Monday offer the kind of weather we wish we could bottle: bright, breathable and comfortably cool. It's worth noting that if your travels are taking to farther north (into northern New England), more clouds and some scattered showers are likely, particularly on Saturday.

If you haven't already, check out our brand-new weather stream at 1DegreeOutside.live. It's also available right at the top of the FREE 1DegreeOutside app.