Before the weekend begins later today, there is going to be some rain to contend with.  I am not expecting a widespread soaking which we could use, rather scattered showers and some downpours.

These situations are very fluid, forgive the pun.  Areas of heavy rain can affect one area dramatically, but others stay dry.   Even without the rain it’s going to feel very humid all day today.  Tonight, as skies clear it will dry out a bit setting us up for a pretty comfortable weekend.

Saturday is my pick for the weekend with no chance of rain.

As today’s weather system exists the area skies will clear and a great day is on tap for Saturday.  If you have a choice of which day to be outside and which day to do indoor chores and errands, pick Saturday as your outdoor one.

Another weather system approaches on Sunday and brings with it a chance of showers.  With the cloud cover temperatures will be much cooler, but it will feel a bit muggy, though not overly humid.

If you’re going beaching and boating…

Generally tides are high at about 8 in the morning, give or take, depending on the beach. If you are digging for worms and clams, the early afternoon will see the most exposure of the beaches and flats. For boaters on Saturday, expect a northeasterly wind of about 10 to 15 knots, with seas around 2 feet. Sunday winds will shift to a more southerly direction, with wind speeds 10 knots or less, and wave heights 1-2 feet.

Water temperatures are in the 60s in southern Maine, but 50s further east and north, the higher readings are also found in coves.  The waters of the southern Maine beaches are in the mid-60s.  Lake water is in the 70s.

If you’re playing soccer, softball, baseball, or golf…

Saturday’s forecast: Mostly sunny, very warm, and not humid.  No chance of rain and fields will quickly dry from any Friday rainfall.  Greens and fairways will remain fast in drought stricken areas even if some rain falls Friday

Sunday’s outlook: Clouds increase and therefore it will be a cooler day.  Look for developing showers as well.  It won’t be a washout with sunshine between the clouds.

If you’re gardening…

It’s best to water your plants early in the day.  Measure the rainfall or check online to see how much you receive.  Most areas won’t get enough rain to prevent you from needing to water this weekend.

If you’re running errands…

Plan on doing errands on Sunday if it’s feasible.  Sunday is the cloudiest day and the only day this weekend when rain is possible.  Saturday weather looks great.

If you’re going to a concert, outdoor party or wedding…

Temperatures Saturday afternoon are going to be quite warm, into the 80s.  This means the continued practice of staying hydrated and using sunscreen if you are going to be outside for long periods of time.