2018 Boston Marathon: Rain, wind to drench runners on Patriots' Day
Cold, wet and windy conditions are in store for Boston on Patriot's Day as more than 30,000 runners participate in the 122nd Boston Marathon.
While the past two years have featured sunny and mild conditions for race day, runners and spectators at this year’s marathon will need to prepare for downright raw and nasty conditions.
The storm that dropped more than a foot of snow and blizzard conditions over the North Central states and severe weather over the central and southern United States this past weekend will crawl eastward at the start of the week.
In this April 18, 2016 file photo, runners approach the finish line of the 120th Boston Marathon in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)
Periods of rain will move across Boston throughout Monday, making it necessary for spectators to bring along umbrellas, rain boots and ponchos and runners to wear waterproof clothing and shoes.
The heaviest rain may fall from the late-morning to through evening hours on Monday.
"Runners should expect to face a car wash effect with cold, drenching rain and stiff winds from the east and northeast at 15-30 mph," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski. There can be gusts to 40 mph.
"Gusts have been strong enough to knock down tree limbs and power lines in Massachusetts on Monday morning," Sosnowski said.
Participants will face the strongest winds head-on at times as the course runs in a general east-to-northeast manner.
"The rain will be heavy enough to cause poor drainage area flooding and large puddles on some of the roads," Sosnowski said. "The combination of painted surfaces [pedestrian and motor vehicle lines] and water can make for slippery conditions for the runners."
The race is broken up into multiple classifications, with the first wave of racers set to start at 8:40 a.m. and the last wave set to start at 11:15 a.m. EDT.
Actual temperatures are likely to range from around 40 F to the middle 40s. The day's forecast high of near 50 F is not expected until near or after sunset.
The combination of the wind and rain will make it feel even colder, with AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures likely ranging from the lower 20s to around 30 much of the day. There is the potential for some runners to experience hypothermia.
The normal high for April 16 in Boston is 56 degrees F, and a normal low is 41 F.
Stormy weather is likely to continue into Monday evening for post-race celebrations and travel.
People driving home from the race should be wary of urban flooding and the potential for tree limbs that may block secondary roads. Those catching a flight late Monday or early Tuesday could face delays due to the downpours and/or gusty winds.
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