World and Nation

L.A. Weather?

L.A. Weather?

Sunny for five days in a row — is that possible? Yes! New England is well known for its changing weather, so several consecutive days of sunny skies can seem implausible. According to the National Climate Data Center, Boston receives clear skies for 98 days out of an average year, with clear skies being defined as less than 30 percent cloud cover. (Meanwhile, if you are curious, the number one city for clear skies is Yuma, AZ, which enjoys a whopping 242 clear days in an average year.) So statistically, the odds are against a string of clear days in Boston.

With Mother Nature providing an encore performance of yesterday’s brilliant sunshine and relatively warm temperatures today, and sunny skies for the rest of the weekend, those slim odds will be tested. This is all part of a strong high pressure system parked over the Great Lakes that is preventing any precipitating storms to penetrate the Northeast. This same system is setting Boston up for at least five consecutive days of mostly sunny skies.

There is a footnote, however. Despite the expected abundance of sunshine over the weekend, temperatures will be cooler owing to a back door cold front and consequently the onshore breeze. In any case, if you haven’t dug out those sunglasses yet, do it now.

Extended Forecast

Tonight: Mostly clear. Low 42°F (6°C).

Tomorrow: Mostly sunny. High 60°F (16°C).

Sunday: Mostly sunny. High 55°F (13°C).

Monday: Mostly sunny. High 70°F (21°C).