New England dries out a bit Thursday, but winds and high surf ramp up as Erin approaches

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a day ago

Staying cool in the upper 50s and low 60s, and drying out after a few early-morning sprinkles. The skies across Greater Boston should turn from mostly cloudy to partly sunny in the afternoon. Highs will reach around 70 degrees.
Hurricane Erin will lurk close to New England and increase winds throughout the day. Boston and the Southern New England coast may feel a healthy easterly breeze to about 15 miles per hour, with gusts ranging from 20 to 30 miles per hour into the evening. A few showers could push into Southern New England later Thursday, but mostly south of the Mass Pike and near the shore.
Staying partly cloudy overnight with lows around 60 with gusts continuing.
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Highs on Thursday will reach the low 70s for most of the region.
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The setup — breezy conditions build as Erin nears
Wednesday's system will clear the region by early Thursday morning, with most showers wrapping up before we get up for the day.
For early commuters, you may see some patches of fog with lingering sprinkles, but Boston should be clear of raindrops by the time you get going. It might be a good idea to pack the umbrella just in case there is a spot shower lingering.
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High pressure will build near the region, leading to decreasing clouds throughout the day. Northern New England sees sunshine before Boston does, but eventually, mostly cloudy skies in the morning should lead to more periods of sunshine in the afternoon. Not everyone will see afternoon sunshine, however, as Erin's outermost clouds infringe on Massachusetts' South Coast and the Cape and Islands. There may be a shower or two that clip the Cape later in the day.
This high pressure is perfectly timed as Erin makes a near approach to New England Thursday, directing the storm out to sea.
The storm's eye will pass more than 400 miles offshore, but the pressure difference between Erin and the building high pressure to the northwest of New England will be felt.
Aside from the few sprinkles on the Cape from Erin, Boston and coastal Southern New England will feel the gusty conditions build during the day. Wind speeds will be from the east, thanks to the strong counterclockwise rotation of Erin, at about 10 to 15 miles per hour. Wind gusts will build to 20 to 30 miles per hour Thursday afternoon in Boston, the North and South Shores, the Cape and Islands, and along the South Coast and Southern Rhode Island.
The strongest wind gusts will be concentrated over the Cape and Islands Thursday night into Friday morning.
Breezy conditions will develop throughout Thursday and into Friday. Some gusts across the Southeast may build to 30 mph.
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High surf advisory, dangerous rip currents
With Erin approaching, high surf and rip currents will stretch along the New England shoreline. Some breaking waves could reach as high as 15 to 20 feet. Boston will be protected by the harbor, but if you have beach plans, I wouldn't risk taking a dip in the ocean or a boat out to sea; it'll be too choppy out there and, quite frankly, dangerous.
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High surf advisories and rip current statements have been posted through Saturday for parts of the New England coastline.
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The high pressure will also bring more dry air into the region to close out the work week, keeping dew points around 60 degrees on Thursday, with Friday and Saturday closer to the mid-50s.
Dew points will stay low enough to keep the air feeling comfortable through the rest of the work week.
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Highs on Friday will reach the mid to upper 70s, with some folks breaking into the low 80s.
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Wednesday's breakdown
Greater Boston:
A chance for an early-morning sprinkle, then drying out. Turning from mostly cloudy to overcast to partly sunny skies in the afternoon. There is a very low chance of a late shower near the city later in the day. Highs near 70. Breeze picks up in the afternoon with gusts of 20 mph or higher later Thursday.
Southeastern Mass.:
A chance for a morning sprinkle, otherwise mostly dry with some thinning clouds. Chance for more clouds in the afternoon with highs in the upper 60s and low 70s. Breeze picks up throughout the day with gusts to 20 mph or higher.
Central/Western Mass.:
A mostly cloudy start with some clouds breaking as the day goes on. Highs to the low 70s from Worcester to Springfield, mid- to upper 60s across the Berkshires. A slight breeze in the afternoon and evening.
Cape and Islands:
Seeing mostly cloudy skies with the chance for a sprinkle or brief shower. Highs in the upper 60s and low 70s. Breeze picks up as the day goes on with some gusts to 30 mph Thursday night into Friday.
Rhode Island:
Seeing mostly cloudy skies with a low chance for an afternoon sprinkle south of Providence. Otherwise, some sun is breaking through north of Providence. Highs to the upper 60s and low 70s.
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New Hampshire:
Different weather up north! Clearing skies early with partly to mostly sunny skies on Thursday. Highs in the low and mid-70s. A slight breeze of about 10 to 15 mph.
Vermont/Maine:
Partly to mostly sunny skies across both states with highs ranging in the 70s. A breeze of about 10 mph.
A look at the forecast across Boston for the next seven days.
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