Watch CBS News

Boston Now In 'Severe Drought,' But Soaking Rain On The Way

BOSTON (CBS) -  Rain? What's that?

It's been a long time since we've seen a soaking rainfall – but finally, some significant wet weather is in the cards for southern New England.

Our lawns are more than crispy at this point, our gardens are struggling to survive and the number of cities and towns with water bans or restrictions continues to climb.

We are in a drought.

In fact, Thursday's update of the drought monitor from the Department of Agriculture shows that Boston and Worcester are now in a "severe drought" and the percent area of Massachusetts under severe drought is up slightly from 34-percent last week to nearly 40-percent now.

The point?

Friday's rain is needed badly.

Expect areas of showers to break out during the pre-dawn hours, ramping up to a steady rain with downpours (along and south of the Mass. Pike) during the morning commute.

Fri8am
(WBZ-TV graphic)

Rain will continue, heavily at times, through the afternoon before tapering off in intensity and coverage around the evening commute.

A flash flood watch will go into effect 5am to 9pm Friday for Southeastern MA, Cape Cod, the Islands, RI and CT. Significant urban flooding is possible with 2-4" of potential rainfall. Roads and underpasses that usually flood may have issues as the rain piles up and small streams may also flood.

 

Flood Watch
Flood Watch (WBZ-TV)

Localized flooding will be a concern where the axis of heaviest rain sets up.  Expect big puddles, ponding of water on the roads and reduced visibility in torrential downpours.

fri1pm
(WBZ-TV graphic)

There's still some uncertainty as to where the heaviest band of rain will set up.

The south coast of New England will likely see the highest amounts from this event, but a slight shift in track could mean more for parts of central Mass. to southern New Hampshire. Although our temperatures will be noticeably cooler (in the 70's) Friday, the atmosphere will be very juicy!

Rainfall totals will top out between 1-to-2 inches along and south of the Pike with lesser amounts, on the order of 0.25-to-0.5 inches the farther north you go.

It's also worth mentioning that in situations like this, where a warm front is positioned very close, if not directly over us – funky things can happen. Deep tropical moisture, lots of lift, lots of instability and wind shear (changing of wind direction with height) means a brief, spin-up tornado is possible.

Speaking of which – two years ago today, Revere was hit by a rare EF2 tornado.

revere tornado 2014
(WBZ-TV graphic)

While it was only on the ground for 4 minutes, it produced 100-to-120 mph winds over a 2 mile path, damaging nearly 100 homes. It's an important reminder of why we tell you to seek shelter if a thunderstorm is headed your way.

Our entire team will be monitoring the latest guidance and update you as necessary today and tomorrow.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.