Welcome to May, and with it comes the monthly deep dive into what to expect as we turn the calendar into full-on spring. If you’re wondering when it’s safe to plant, whether we’ll see some real warmth, or if the weekend rain trend is sticking around — meteorologist Matt Noyes has you covered in our monthly “On the Horizons” video.
If you prefer a written summary…Let’s start with the frost. While most of New England is trending warmer, there’s one window to watch: the nights of May 8th and 9th. The average temperature might not drop low enough for widespread frost, but in central and northern New England – especially the valleys – it’s very possible. If you’re outside of 495, in spots like northern Massachusetts, southern New Hampshire, central Mass or northwest Connecticut, you’re probably good to plant now. Farther north? Stick close to those traditional last frost dates. They’re looking like a good guide this year.
The pattern shaping up for May is classic spring-in-New England. A slow-moving setup – known in meteorology as a “Rex block” – means stalled systems, some chilly upper-level air, and a flow of warmth and moisture from the south. The result? A cooler-than-normal start to the month, with a decent chance for periods of rain or thunderstorms, particularly during the first half.
But there’s hope for warmth. By mid to late May, the pattern begins to change. Cooler air gets shunted west, and warmer air starts pushing north. While New England may stay “near normal” for monthly averages, Matt says there’s potential for a warm surge late in the month that could push us above average.
Precipitation? It depends where you are. Eastern New England may end up around average for rainfall, but western parts of the region are more likely to come out above average by the time we hit Memorial Day.
So, to sum it up: it’s a slow, steady build into spring, with patience rewarded. If you’re planning a garden or watching the weekend forecast closely, the 1DegreeOutside app will help you keep track of every turn. And we’ll be with you every step of the way.
