Byline: Daniel Greenblatt, Senior Correspondent
Date: May 25, 2025
Location: Boston, MA
An unusual May nor’easter struck New England on Thursday, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and even snow to higher elevations just before the Memorial Day weekend. Cities across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire experienced record-low high temperatures, with Mount Washington in New Hampshire recording four inches of snow. The storm disrupted travel plans and led to localized flooding, though no injuries were reported.
A Spring Storm Unlike Any Other
Nor’easters are generally winter storms, but this one defied seasonal expectations. A powerful low-pressure system formed off the Atlantic coast, fed by a strong jet stream and an unseasonable push of cold air from the Arctic. The resulting convergence produced a storm more characteristic of December than late May.
Experts called the atmospheric setup rare and noted it would have produced a significant blizzard had it occurred just a few months earlier. Cold air swept southward across the Northeast, and as it collided with moist oceanic air, precipitation turned to snow in higher altitudes. The snow accumulation at Mount Washington was the most significant recorded this late in May in nearly three decades.
Cold Weather Shatters Records
The storm brought an intense drop in temperatures throughout the region. In Kingston, Massachusetts, over seven inches of rain fell within a 24-hour period. Snowfall blanketed parts of New Hampshire, particularly in elevated areas.
Several cities broke longstanding temperature records for May 22. Concord, New Hampshire, only reached 47°F, while Portland, Maine, peaked at 49°F. Both temperatures were roughly 20 degrees below the seasonal average.
Wind gusts exceeded 40 mph in multiple areas, contributing to power outages and downed branches. Coastal communities in Rhode Island and eastern Massachusetts faced the heaviest rainfall, which caused flash flooding in low-lying neighborhoods.
Travel Chaos Just Before Holiday Weekend
As one of the busiest travel weekends of the year approached, the storm threw plans into disarray. Over 60 flights were canceled at Boston Logan International Airport due to weather conditions and strong crosswinds. Ferries between Cape Cod and the islands were suspended due to hazardous seas.
Motorists encountered dangerous driving conditions, especially in New Hampshire and inland Maine, where wet snow and strong gusts reduced visibility. Emergency services reported a spike in minor road incidents and urged drivers to delay nonessential travel.
Although no widespread power outages were reported, isolated disruptions occurred due to fallen trees and damaged lines, particularly in southern New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts.
Community Impact and Recovery Efforts
Local communities acted swiftly to manage the storm’s effects. In Kingston, sandbags were distributed ahead of time to prevent water intrusion in flood-prone areas. Snowplows were deployed unexpectedly in parts of New Hampshire to manage accumulation on mountain roads.
Some outdoor events slated for the Memorial Day weekend were canceled or rescheduled. Park officials throughout New England postponed early season openings and issued advisories about muddy trails and saturated grounds.
Residents expressed disbelief over the storm’s timing, noting that spring flowers and garden plantings were just beginning to flourish. For many, it served as a reminder of the region’s unpredictable climate and the importance of seasonal preparedness.
Looking Ahead: Return to Seasonal Norms
Forecasters anticipated that the worst of the storm would pass by Friday afternoon, leaving behind light drizzle and overcast skies. Temperatures were expected to gradually return to seasonal norms over the weekend, allowing for partial recovery of outdoor activities and travel.
The extended forecast predicted clearer skies and highs in the upper 60s by Memorial Day itself, offering a silver lining for holiday gatherings and parades.
