Additional Coverage:
Gale Warning Issued for Massachusetts Coast: Mariners Urged to Stay Ashore
Massachusetts residents are advised to steer clear of coastal waters and postpone any sailing plans Monday morning as gale-force winds are set to create dangerous conditions for mariners.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a gale warning, forecasting west winds of 20 to 25 knots with gusts up to 35 knots and waves reaching 2 to 4 feet along the eastern coast of Massachusetts. This warning also extends to Boston Harbor, Rhode Island coastal waters, and Narragansett Bay.
“Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for hazardous conditions,” stated the NWS.
Severity of the Gale Warning
The gale warning is in effect until 7 a.m. Monday, though mariners should monitor for potential updates. A gale warning signifies that a significant and hazardous weather event is likely, imminent, or occurring, posing a threat to both life and property.
The NWS issues these warnings when sustained surface winds or frequent gusts are predicted or observed in the range of 34 knots (39 mph) to 47 knots (54 mph). These hazardous water conditions could “capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility,” according to the weather service.
Weather Outlook for the Week
While the gale warning primarily impacts those on the water, hazardous conditions are expected to persist through Monday and potentially into the night.
For those on land, cool temperatures are anticipated to continue through the middle of the week, with highs in the mid-40s from Tuesday to Thursday. Overnight lows are forecast to dip into the upper 20s on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, before warming up to the high 30s by Thursday.
Sunshine is expected to dominate on Tuesday and Wednesday, giving way to cloudy skies on Thursday. Wind gusts will linger on Tuesday, though less intensely than on Sunday or Monday, and are expected to subside by Wednesday.