‘Well-needed rainfall’ coming amid long critical drought and high fire risk

After a few more sunny, warm days, some rainfall in the later week is set to provide some “temporary relief” amid the drought and high fire risk around the Boston region, according to National Weather Service forecasts.

“We’ll see some meaningful, much needed rainfall on Thursday,” said NWS Warning Coordination Meteorologist Frank Nocera. “And then some cooler, spotty light rain Friday and Saturday, improving for Sunday.”

A moderate chance of rain begins Wednesday night and continues through Saturday, according to NWS forecasts. The highest chance of significant precipitation is on Thursday, Nocera said, which will help with the fire danger throughout the area but is unlikely to be a “drought buster.”

State officials declared the ongoing drought over most of Massachusetts on Nov. 7, with Boston within the Level 3 “critical drought” zone. Wildfires have been rampant across Massachusetts in the dry conditions and spiked 1,200% for the month of October this year.

“We’re looking at anywhere from certainly at least a half inch of rain, maybe up to an inch or so, which will help to mitigate some of the rainfall deficits we’re experiencing,” said Nocera. “But we’re several inches below normal. It’ll be a temporary relief but certainly not going to eliminate the drought. It will help a little with the fire danger though and moisten things up a little.”

Residents are encouraged to minimize overall water use and follow local water use restrictions during the drought. The NWS Special Weather Statements on heightened fire risks in the area also warns residents against outdoor burning and urges caution when disposing of things like cigarettes and matches.