It’s hard to believe we’ve already reached the unofficial end of summer. Whether you are packing up the car for Cape Cod, heading up to the White Mountains, or firing up the grill in your backyard, Labor Day weekend across New England is notorious for delivering unpredictable weather shifts.
The good news? We are not facing a holiday weekend washout. While an upper-level pool of cool air will trigger a few spotty showers and a temporary temperature dip, high pressure will build in right on time to deliver a picture-perfect Labor Day.
Plus, the muggy summer air is officially packing its bags — you can look forward to comfortable, low-humidity air all weekend long.
Day-by-Day Breakdown
Friday: Warm and summery
If you have Friday off to start the long weekend early, you’re in luck. Friday will feel the most like classic summer, featuring a mix of sun and clouds with high temperatures climbing to around 80°F.
- Beach-bound: An ocean sea breeze will keep immediate coastal spots slightly cooler.
- Rain risk: Very low. While a brief, spot shower can’t be ruled out, dry weather will prevail most of the time.
Saturday: Noticeably cooler and unsettled
A pocket of cool air aloft swings directly over New England on Saturday. This will keep a decent amount of cloud cover around and spark a few pop-up afternoon showers.
- Highs: Temperatures will take a tumble, topping out only in the upper 60s.
- Rain risk: Around 30%. It won’t rain all day, but keep the umbrella handy if you have outdoor plans during the afternoon hours.
Sunday: Brightening up and seasonable
Broad high pressure begins nudging in from the north on Sunday, pushing the cool air pool away and restoring brighter skies. Expect a mix of sunshine and late-day coastal clouds with comfortable highs near 70°F. An onshore breeze off the ocean will keep things cool near the water.
Labor Day Monday: The pick of the weekend
Save your biggest outdoor plans for the holiday itself! Labor Day is shaping up to be absolutely gorgeous across eastern Massachusetts and all of New England. Expect abundant sunshine, pleasant onshore breezes, low humidity and comfortable high temperatures in the mid-70s. It doesn’t get much better than this for an early September barbecue!
Looking Back
How did climatological summer fare in Boston?
With “climatological summer” (June, July and August) officially in the rear-view mirror, the numbers are in for Boston — and it was another warm, dry one.
Overall, the season ended up 2.3°F above average for temperature and 3.32 inches below normal for rainfall, leaving a meaningful precipitation deficit across eastern Massachusetts.
The summer was punctuated by two official heat waves — including a blistering 101°F milestone on July 2.
While the summer brought its share of heat and dry stretches, this long weekend offers a gentle, comfortable transition into early autumn.
You can check the forecast anytime, anywhere with the free1DegreeOutside weather app.
