Boston Drier and Warmer Than Any November Since 2024
The city’s 17-day dry streak ties for 32nd longest in history, while highs near 70 degrees mark the third week of anomalous warmth.
By Natalia Costa ·
Boston residents faced a November day that felt more like late spring than autumn on Monday. The city recorded a high of 72 degrees, joining a handful of other locations that broke into the 70s. This warmth is part of a persistent weather pattern that has kept temperatures well above seasonal norms for three consecutive weeks.
The dry conditions accompanying the heat are becoming notable for their duration. Monday marked the 17th consecutive day in Boston without measurable rainfall. This streak extends the city’s longest dry period of 2026 and represents the driest stretch since September 2024. In terms of historical records, this 17-day run ties for the 32nd longest dry spell in Boston’s history.
While the current conditions are dry, meteorologists note that the city is not yet in a drought. The all-time record for a dry spell in Boston stands at 44 days, a streak that ended on Nov. 21, 1924. The current period is approaching the threshold for drought classification but has not yet crossed it.
Tuesday’s forecast maintains the warm trend. High pressure systems to the southeast will continue to drive warm air into the region. Most of Southern New England will see highs in the upper 60s, with some afternoon readings potentially reaching 70 degrees. Morning commutes will begin in the 50s, with only higher elevations in Massachusetts remaining in the upper 40s.
Cloud cover will increase throughout Tuesday, though sunshine will persist in many areas. A system over Canada combined with a sagging warm front may cause brief, light showers along the state borders. These showers are expected to affect Western Massachusetts and the northern parts of New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine before fading against the dominant dry air mass.
The warm and dry conditions are projected to continue through the week. Daily highs in Boston and the surrounding region will hover near 70 degrees. The next widespread chance for rain arrives on Friday, when a cold front is expected to bring scattered pockets of steady rain. This system could deliver approximately half an inch of precipitation to Boston.
The last time Boston received more than half an inch of rain in a single day was Oct. 11. The weather pattern has shifted the seasonal timeline, keeping the city in a prolonged period of mild temperatures and low precipitation. This weather data is reported by Ken Mahan, who covers the region for The Boston Globe.
