As we head into the final week of July, the weather, at least for the next four days, is looking absolutely near-perfect. Now I could get nitpicky about what’s not perfect, and I’m sure someone will find something to complain about over the next few days, but in terms of temperature and humidity, both look to be in the ideal range.
Basically it’s sunny days and clear nights into Monday, although by then some cloudiness will start to creep back in. We are a month past the summer solstice, and the sun is not as strong as it was four weeks ago. But it’s still quite strong, and if you haven’t spent a lot of time outside this summer, be sure you’re using sunscreen this weekend because all the available UV light will be shining down upon us.
Winds will be light this weekend, and if you’re headed to the beach, the rough surf advisories that we’ve seen several days this week will no longer be in effect. High tides will be occurring a few hours after sunrise this weekend, which means if you get to the beach around lunchtime, there’s going to be plenty of available space to put down that blanket or umbrella — or an enormously large tent, outdoor living room that will annoy everybody.
Nice, low humidity and cool evenings
The dew point will get down into the 50s this weekend, below average for this time of year. Decades ago, before the humidity levels rose to where they are today, we had more of these types of days or even weeks during summer. This is one of the reasons why you might hear older folks say you didn’t need air conditioning when I grew up.
Because of the lower dew points, temperatures at night will fall to comfortable sleeping levels all weekend. Frankly, this is the most exciting part of the weekend for me because I love keeping the windows open in the summer. Each morning is likely to feature temperatures in the upper 50s in the cooler suburbs to mid-60s in downtown Boston.
Readings will quickly rise, reaching the 70s by mid-morning and topping out within a few degrees of 80 from now through Monday. Inland spots may get into the mid-80s, but with the dry air it will not feel too hot.
If you are swimming this weekend, water temperatures remain quite pleasant, though not as warm as in other years along the coastline. Some of the lakes and ponds also have some cool spots due to the recent rain. When you get out of the water, have a towel close at hand because the lower dew points will make evaporation very effective and one of the reasons why you may feel chilly despite an 80-degree temperature.
All in all, you couldn’t ask for a nicer forecast at the end of July, and with the month’s numbers ticking away, try to get out and take advantage of it.
Weekend breakdown
Greater Boston: Look for clear nights and sunny days through the weekend with temperatures starting in the lower 60s and topping out in the lower 80s each afternoon.
Central/Western Mass.: Brilliant blue sky by day and starlit skies at night are the features this weekend, with temperatures 80 to 85 in the afternoon and in the upper 50s at sunrise each morning.
Southeastern Mass.: Wind will be light this weekend with plenty of sunshine and temperatures within a few degrees of 80. Each morning at sunrise, you can expect temperatures around 60.
Cape Cod and the Islands: It’s a perfect boating weekend with plenty of sunshine and relatively calm seas, highs in the upper 70s and lows 58 to 63.
Rhode Island: From north to south, there will be sunshine all weekend. Temperatures will be in the lower 80s away from the water and upper 70s right at the water’s edge. Morning lows will be in the upper 50s to lower 60s.
New Hampshire: Temperatures will start in the 50s each morning but quickly rise and reach the 80s for the afternoon both Saturday and Sunday with abundant sunshine.
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