Late-May nor’easter set to drench northeast with rain, wind and chilly weather

A rare late-season nor’easter is gearing up to hit the Northeast with a mix of soaking rain, strong winds, and unseasonably cool temperatures from Wednesday (21) evening through early Friday (23). The National Weather Service in Boston warned of a “cold windswept heavy rain” affecting the region, with widespread weather-related disruptions expected.

Two systems are in play: one low-pressure area will move through the eastern Great Lakes, while a second coastal low forms off the East Coast. It’s this latter system that will evolve into a nor’easter as it slowly drifts northward near New England, funneling moist northeast winds from the Atlantic. Though typically associated with winter storms, nor’easters can also strike during the warmer months, bringing rain instead of snow.