Heavy rain returns to Boston early Thursday
Boston is once again bracing for torrential rainfall, as the WBZ Weather Team issues a NEXT Weather Alert Day for Thursday, July 10, due to the elevated risk of flooding across eastern Massachusetts. This alert follows an already active weather pattern, where parts of the region saw more than 2 inches (50 mm) of rain overnight.
Atmospheric conditions remain exceptionally humid, with dewpoints staying high, even as air temperatures have dropped slightly in the last 24 hours. The atmosphere continues to be saturated with moisture, primed for another round of downpours.
Timing the storms: rain begins before sunrise
A stalled frontal boundary is lingering over southern New England, creating the perfect setup for widespread showers and intense rainfall. The first drops could begin to fall shortly after midnight, but the heaviest rainfall is expected to arrive just before dawn on Thursday, continuing through midday.
While not every town will experience torrential flooding, the areas near and south of the Mass Pike carry a significantly higher risk for localized flash flooding, especially during the Thursday morning commute. Travelers should expect slow, potentially hazardous conditions, particularly along Interstate 90, Route 128, and into downtown Boston.
Rainfall totals and regional impact
Forecast models indicate that rainfall totals could once again exceed 2 inches (50 mm) in a very short period of time, intensifying the threat for flash flooding in urban centers, low-lying roadways, and creeks or streams that are already elevated.
While water restrictions and drought conditions remain in place across parts of Massachusetts, this rainfall will offer some temporary relief to parched lawns and gardens. That said, the rate of precipitation could overwhelm drainage systems if it falls too quickly.
Looking ahead: dry skies by the weekend
By Friday, the weather pattern stabilizes, with precipitation chances dropping significantly. Only a few isolated showers may develop through Friday afternoon, but the broader trend points to a dry and pleasant weekend—likely marking two in a row of favorable outdoor weather for Massachusetts.
Stay tuned for live updates and radar tracking from the WBZ Weather Team throughout the day.
