Alert archive / Massachusetts / Gale Warnings in 2026

Gale Warning 16, NWS Boston/Norton, MA

May 4, 2026

NWS Boston/Norton, MA issued this gale warning at May 4, 2026, 1:03 PM EDT. It took effect at May 5, 2026, 11:00 AM EDT. It was in force for 7 hr. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
May 4, 2026, 1:03 PM EDT (17:03 UTC)
In effect from
May 5, 2026, 11:00 AM EDT
Expired
May 5, 2026, 6:14 PM EDT
In force
7 hr
Issued by
NWS Boston/Norton, MA

The text

As transmitted.

786 
WHUS71 KBOX 041703
MWWBOX

URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA
103 PM EDT Mon May 4 2026

ANZ230-236-050615-
/O.CAN.KBOX.SC.Y.0051.000000T0000Z-260505T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KBOX.GL.W.0016.260505T1500Z-260506T0300Z/
Boston Harbor-Narragansett Bay-
103 PM EDT Mon May 4 2026

...GALE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 11 PM EDT TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 40 kt and 
  waves 2 to 4 feet expected.

* WHERE...In Massachusetts coastal waters, Boston Harbor. In 
  Rhode Island coastal waters, Narragansett Bay.

* WHEN...From 11 AM to 11 PM EDT Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Strong winds will cause hazardous waves which could 
  capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions.
Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the
vessel for hazardous conditions.

&&

$$

ANZ235-237-251-050615-
/O.CAN.KBOX.SC.Y.0051.000000T0000Z-260505T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KBOX.GL.W.0016.260505T1500Z-260506T0300Z/
Rhode Island Sound-Block Island Sound-
Massachusetts Bay and Ipswich Bay-
103 PM EDT Mon May 4 2026

...GALE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 11 PM EDT TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 40 kt and 
  seas 4 to 7 feet expected.

* WHERE...In Rhode Island coastal waters, Rhode Island Sound and 
  Block Island Sound. In Massachusetts coastal waters, 
  Massachusetts Bay and Ipswich Bay.

* WHEN...From 11 AM to 11 PM EDT Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could
  capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions.
Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the
vessel for hazardous conditions.

&&

$$

ANZ231>234-050615-
/O.CON.KBOX.GL.W.0015.000000T0000Z-260504T2300Z/
/O.NEW.KBOX.GL.W.0016.260505T1500Z-260506T0300Z/
Cape Cod Bay-Nantucket Sound-Vineyard Sound-Buzzards Bay-
103 PM EDT Mon May 4 2026

...GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EDT THIS EVENING...
...GALE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 11 PM EDT TUESDAY...

* WHAT...For the first Gale Warning, southwest winds around 20 
  kt with gusts up to 40 kt and seas 3 to 5 feet. For the second 
  Gale Warning, southwest winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 40 
  kt and seas 3 to 5 feet expected.

* WHERE...Cape Cod Bay, Nantucket Sound, Vineyard Sound and 
  Buzzards Bay.

* WHEN...For the first Gale Warning, until 7 PM EDT this 
  evening. For the second Gale Warning, from 11 AM to 11 PM EDT 
  Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could 
  capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions.
Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the
vessel for hazardous conditions.

&&

$$

ANZ250-254>256-050615-
/O.EXT.KBOX.SC.Y.0051.000000T0000Z-260507T0000Z/
Coastal waters east of Ipswich Bay and the Stellwagen Bank
National Marine Sanctuary-
Coastal waters from Provincetown MA to Chatham MA to Nantucket MA
out 20 NM-
Coastal Waters extending out to 25 NM South of Marthas Vineyard
and Nantucket-
Coastal Waters from Montauk NY to Marthas Vineyard extending out
to 20 NM South of Block Island-
103 PM EDT Mon May 4 2026

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and 
  seas 6 to 9 feet.

* WHERE...In Massachusetts coastal waters, Coastal waters east 
  of Ipswich Bay and the Stellwagen Bank National Marine 
  Sanctuary, Coastal waters from Provincetown MA to Chatham MA 
  to Nantucket MA out 20 NM and Coastal Waters extending out to 
  25 NM South of Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket. In Rhode Island 
  coastal waters, Coastal Waters from Montauk NY to Marthas 
  Vineyard extending out to 20 NM South of Block Island.

* WHEN...Until 8 PM EDT Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions.

&&

$$

Frank
4 follow-up statements
873 
WHUS71 KBOX 042309
MWWBOX

URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA
709 PM EDT Mon May 4 2026

ANZ231>234-051215-
/O.EXP.KBOX.GL.W.0015.000000T0000Z-260504T2300Z/
/O.CON.KBOX.GL.W.0016.260505T1500Z-260506T0300Z/
Cape Cod Bay-Nantucket Sound-Vineyard Sound-Buzzards Bay-
709 PM EDT Mon May 4 2026

...GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 11 PM EDT
TUESDAY...
...GALE WARNING HAS EXPIRED...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 40 kt and 
  seas 3 to 5 feet expected.

* WHERE...Cape Cod Bay, Nantucket Sound, Vineyard Sound and 
  Buzzards Bay.

* WHEN...From 11 AM to 11 PM EDT Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could 
  capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions.
Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the
vessel for hazardous conditions.

&&

$$

ANZ230-236-051215-
/O.CON.KBOX.GL.W.0016.260505T1500Z-260506T0300Z/
Boston Harbor-Narragansett Bay-
709 PM EDT Mon May 4 2026

...GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 11 PM EDT
TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 40 kt and 
  waves 2 to 4 feet expected.

* WHERE...In Massachusetts coastal waters, Boston Harbor. In 
  Rhode Island coastal waters, Narragansett Bay.

* WHEN...From 11 AM to 11 PM EDT Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Strong winds will cause hazardous waves which could 
  capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions.
Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the
vessel for hazardous conditions.

&&

$$

ANZ235-237-251-051215-
/O.CON.KBOX.GL.W.0016.260505T1500Z-260506T0300Z/
Rhode Island Sound-Block Island Sound-
Massachusetts Bay and Ipswich Bay-
709 PM EDT Mon May 4 2026

...GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 11 PM EDT
TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 40 kt and 
  seas 4 to 7 feet expected.

* WHERE...In Rhode Island coastal waters, Rhode Island Sound and 
  Block Island Sound. In Massachusetts coastal waters, 
  Massachusetts Bay and Ipswich Bay.

* WHEN...From 11 AM to 11 PM EDT Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could 
  capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions.
Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the
vessel for hazardous conditions.

&&

$$

ANZ250-254>256-051215-
/O.CON.KBOX.SC.Y.0051.000000T0000Z-260507T0000Z/
Coastal waters east of Ipswich Bay and the Stellwagen Bank
National Marine Sanctuary-
Coastal waters from Provincetown MA to Chatham MA to Nantucket MA
out 20 NM-
Coastal Waters extending out to 25 NM South of Marthas Vineyard
and Nantucket-
Coastal Waters from Montauk NY to Marthas Vineyard extending out
to 20 NM South of Block Island-
709 PM EDT Mon May 4 2026

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...South winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and seas 
  6 to 9 feet.

* WHERE...In Massachusetts coastal waters, Coastal waters east 
  of Ipswich Bay and the Stellwagen Bank National Marine 
  Sanctuary, Coastal waters from Provincetown MA to Chatham MA 
  to Nantucket MA out 20 NM and Coastal Waters extending out to 
  25 NM South of Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket. In Rhode Island 
  coastal waters, Coastal Waters from Montauk NY to Marthas 
  Vineyard extending out to 20 NM South of Block Island.

* WHEN...Until 8 PM EDT Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions.

&&

$$
650 
WHUS71 KBOX 050638
MWWBOX

URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA
238 AM EDT Tue May 5 2026

ANZ230-236-052100-
/O.CON.KBOX.GL.W.0016.260505T1500Z-260506T0300Z/
Boston Harbor-Narragansett Bay-
238 AM EDT Tue May 5 2026

...GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO
11 PM EDT THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 40 kt and 
  waves 2 to 4 feet expected.

* WHERE...In Massachusetts coastal waters, Boston Harbor. In 
  Rhode Island coastal waters, Narragansett Bay.

* WHEN...From 11 AM this morning to 11 PM EDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Strong winds will cause hazardous waves which could 
  capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions.
Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the
vessel for hazardous conditions.

&&

$$

ANZ235-237-251-052100-
/O.CON.KBOX.GL.W.0016.260505T1500Z-260506T0300Z/
Rhode Island Sound-Block Island Sound-
Massachusetts Bay and Ipswich Bay-
238 AM EDT Tue May 5 2026

...GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO
11 PM EDT THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 40 kt and 
  seas 4 to 7 feet expected.

* WHERE...In Rhode Island coastal waters, Rhode Island Sound and 
  Block Island Sound. In Massachusetts coastal waters, 
  Massachusetts Bay and Ipswich Bay.

* WHEN...From 11 AM this morning to 11 PM EDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could 
  capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions.
Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the
vessel for hazardous conditions.

&&

$$

ANZ231>234-052100-
/O.CON.KBOX.GL.W.0016.260505T1500Z-260506T0300Z/
Cape Cod Bay-Nantucket Sound-Vineyard Sound-Buzzards Bay-
238 AM EDT Tue May 5 2026

...GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO
11 PM EDT THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 40 kt and 
  seas 3 to 5 feet expected.

* WHERE...Cape Cod Bay, Nantucket Sound, Vineyard Sound and 
  Buzzards Bay.

* WHEN...From 11 AM this morning to 11 PM EDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could 
  capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions.
Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the
vessel for hazardous conditions.

&&

$$

ANZ250-254>256-052100-
/O.CON.KBOX.SC.Y.0051.000000T0000Z-260507T0000Z/
Coastal waters east of Ipswich Bay and the Stellwagen Bank
National Marine Sanctuary-
Coastal waters from Provincetown MA to Chatham MA to Nantucket MA
out 20 NM-
Coastal Waters extending out to 25 NM South of Marthas Vineyard
and Nantucket-
Coastal Waters from Montauk NY to Marthas Vineyard extending out
to 20 NM South of Block Island-
238 AM EDT Tue May 5 2026

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...South winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and seas 
  6 to 9 feet.

* WHERE...In Massachusetts coastal waters, Coastal waters east 
  of Ipswich Bay and the Stellwagen Bank National Marine 
  Sanctuary, Coastal waters from Provincetown MA to Chatham MA 
  to Nantucket MA out 20 NM and Coastal Waters extending out to 
  25 NM South of Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket. In Rhode Island 
  coastal waters, Coastal Waters from Montauk NY to Marthas 
  Vineyard extending out to 20 NM South of Block Island.

* WHEN...Until 8 PM EDT Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions.

&&

$$
634 
WHUS71 KBOX 052050
MWWBOX

URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA
450 PM EDT Tue May 5 2026

ANZ230-236-060300-
/O.CON.KBOX.GL.W.0016.000000T0000Z-260506T0300Z/
Boston Harbor-Narragansett Bay-
450 PM EDT Tue May 5 2026

...GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM EDT THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 20 to 25 kt with gusts up to 35 kt and 
  waves 2 to 4 feet.

* WHERE...In Massachusetts coastal waters, Boston Harbor. In 
  Rhode Island coastal waters, Narragansett Bay.

* WHEN...Until 11 PM EDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Strong winds will cause hazardous waves which could 
  capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions.
Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the
vessel for hazardous conditions.

&&

$$

ANZ235-237-251-060300-
/O.CON.KBOX.GL.W.0016.000000T0000Z-260506T0300Z/
Rhode Island Sound-Block Island Sound-
Massachusetts Bay and Ipswich Bay-
450 PM EDT Tue May 5 2026

...GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM EDT THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 20 to 25 kt with gusts up to 35 kt and 
  seas 4 to 7 feet.

* WHERE...In Rhode Island coastal waters, Rhode Island Sound and 
  Block Island Sound. In Massachusetts coastal waters, 
  Massachusetts Bay and Ipswich Bay.

* WHEN...Until 11 PM EDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could 
  capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions.
Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the
vessel for hazardous conditions.

&&

$$

ANZ231>234-060300-
/O.CON.KBOX.GL.W.0016.000000T0000Z-260506T0300Z/
Cape Cod Bay-Nantucket Sound-Vineyard Sound-Buzzards Bay-
450 PM EDT Tue May 5 2026

...GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM EDT THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 20 to 25 kt with gusts up to 35 kt and 
  seas 3 to 5 feet.

* WHERE...Cape Cod Bay, Nantucket Sound, Vineyard Sound and 
  Buzzards Bay.

* WHEN...Until 11 PM EDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could 
  capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions.
Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the
vessel for hazardous conditions.

&&

$$

ANZ250-061000-
/O.EXT.KBOX.SC.Y.0051.000000T0000Z-260507T0800Z/
Coastal waters east of Ipswich Bay and the Stellwagen Bank
National Marine Sanctuary-
450 PM EDT Tue May 5 2026

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM EDT THURSDAY...

* WHAT...South winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and seas 
  4 to 7 feet.

* WHERE...Coastal waters east of Ipswich Bay and the Stellwagen 
  Bank National Marine Sanctuary.

* WHEN...Until 4 AM EDT Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions.

&&

$$

ANZ254>256-061000-
/O.EXT.KBOX.SC.Y.0051.000000T0000Z-260507T1200Z/
Coastal waters from Provincetown MA to Chatham MA to Nantucket MA
out 20 NM-
Coastal Waters extending out to 25 NM South of Marthas Vineyard
and Nantucket-
Coastal Waters from Montauk NY to Marthas Vineyard extending out
to 20 NM South of Block Island-
450 PM EDT Tue May 5 2026

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and 
  seas 5 to 8 feet.

* WHERE...In Massachusetts coastal waters, Coastal waters from 
  Provincetown MA to Chatham MA to Nantucket MA out 20 NM and 
  Coastal Waters extending out to 25 NM South of Marthas 
  Vineyard and Nantucket. In Rhode Island coastal waters, 
  Coastal Waters from Montauk NY to Marthas Vineyard extending 
  out to 20 NM South of Block Island.

* WHEN...Until 8 AM EDT Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions.

&&

$$
532 
WHUS71 KBOX 052214
MWWBOX

URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA
614 PM EDT Tue May 5 2026

ANZ230-061200-
/O.CAN.KBOX.GL.W.0016.000000T0000Z-260506T0300Z/
/O.EXB.KBOX.SC.Y.0051.000000T0000Z-260507T0000Z/
Boston Harbor-
614 PM EDT Tue May 5 2026

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT WEDNESDAY...
...GALE WARNING IS CANCELLED...

* WHAT...South winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and 
  waves around 2 feet.

* WHERE...Boston Harbor.

* WHEN...Until 8 PM EDT Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions.

&&

$$

ANZ235-237-251-061200-
/O.CAN.KBOX.GL.W.0016.000000T0000Z-260506T0300Z/
/O.EXB.KBOX.SC.Y.0051.000000T0000Z-260507T0000Z/
Rhode Island Sound-Block Island Sound-
Massachusetts Bay and Ipswich Bay-
614 PM EDT Tue May 5 2026

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT WEDNESDAY...
...GALE WARNING IS CANCELLED...

* WHAT...South winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and seas 
  4 to 7 feet.

* WHERE...In Rhode Island coastal waters, Rhode Island Sound and 
  Block Island Sound. In Massachusetts coastal waters, 
  Massachusetts Bay and Ipswich Bay.

* WHEN...Until 8 PM EDT Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions.

&&

$$

ANZ231>234-061200-
/O.CAN.KBOX.GL.W.0016.000000T0000Z-260506T0300Z/
/O.EXB.KBOX.SC.Y.0051.000000T0000Z-260507T0000Z/
Cape Cod Bay-Nantucket Sound-Vineyard Sound-Buzzards Bay-
614 PM EDT Tue May 5 2026

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT WEDNESDAY...
...GALE WARNING IS CANCELLED...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 20 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and 
  seas 3 to 5 feet.

* WHERE...Cape Cod Bay, Nantucket Sound, Vineyard Sound and 
  Buzzards Bay.

* WHEN...Until 8 PM EDT Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions.

&&

$$

ANZ236-061200-
/O.CAN.KBOX.GL.W.0016.000000T0000Z-260506T0300Z/
/O.EXB.KBOX.SC.Y.0051.000000T0000Z-260507T0000Z/
Narragansett Bay-
614 PM EDT Tue May 5 2026

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT WEDNESDAY...
...GALE WARNING IS CANCELLED...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and 
  waves 3 to 5 feet.

* WHERE...Narragansett Bay.

* WHEN...Until 8 PM EDT Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions.

&&

$$

ANZ250-061200-
/O.CON.KBOX.SC.Y.0051.000000T0000Z-260507T0800Z/
Coastal waters east of Ipswich Bay and the Stellwagen Bank
National Marine Sanctuary-
614 PM EDT Tue May 5 2026

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM EDT
THURSDAY...

* WHAT...South winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and seas 
  4 to 7 feet.

* WHERE...Coastal waters east of Ipswich Bay and the Stellwagen 
  Bank National Marine Sanctuary.

* WHEN...Until 4 AM EDT Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions.

&&

$$

ANZ254>256-061200-
/O.CON.KBOX.SC.Y.0051.000000T0000Z-260507T1200Z/
Coastal waters from Provincetown MA to Chatham MA to Nantucket MA
out 20 NM-
Coastal Waters extending out to 25 NM South of Marthas Vineyard
and Nantucket-
Coastal Waters from Montauk NY to Marthas Vineyard extending out
to 20 NM South of Block Island-
614 PM EDT Tue May 5 2026

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT
THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and 
  seas 5 to 8 feet.

* WHERE...In Massachusetts coastal waters, Coastal waters from 
  Provincetown MA to Chatham MA to Nantucket MA out 20 NM and 
  Coastal Waters extending out to 25 NM South of Marthas 
  Vineyard and Nantucket. In Rhode Island coastal waters, 
  Coastal Waters from Montauk NY to Marthas Vineyard extending 
  out to 20 NM South of Block Island.

* WHEN...Until 8 AM EDT Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions.

&&

$$

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this gale warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Boston/Norton, MA wrote its last area forecast discussion before this gale warning went out at May 4, 7:08 AM EDT, 5 hours 55 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • Breezy, warm, and dry day with elevated fire weather potential this afternoon.
  • Warmer on Tuesday with a chance for showers and thunderstorms across far northwestern Massachusetts.
  • Unsettled for the midweek timeframe with multiple chances for showers and embedded thunderstorms.
  • Turning sharply cooler late in the week and into the weekend.
Area forecast discussion, May 4, 7:08 AM EDT, 5 hours 55 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA
708 AM EDT Mon May 4 2026

.WHAT HAS CHANGED...
No changes with the latest forecast update.

&&

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Breezy, warm, and dry day with elevated fire weather potential
this afternoon.

- Warmer on Tuesday with a chance for showers and thunderstorms
across far northwestern Massachusetts.

- Unsettled for the midweek timeframe with multiple chances for
showers and embedded thunderstorms.

- Turning sharply cooler late in the week and into the weekend.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
KEY MESSAGE 1... Breezy, warm, and dry day with elevated fire
weather potential this afternoon.

Cold start this morning for many of us as a few additional hours of
radiational cooling took place with less cloud cover than high-res
guidance initially advertised. Coldest spots this morning are
interior valleys with lows in the lower 30s. Quick warm up this
morning as 850mb temps soar from 0C to +6C by this afternoon. Given
the expected well mixed boundary layer up to 800mb with full sun,
expecting high temperatures in the upper 60s to low 70s in the CT
and Merrimack River Valleys. Coolest temps will be found along the
immediate south coast will be coolest in the low to mid 60s. Good
mixing also leads to a gusty day; with a 25-35kt 850mb jet overhead,
expecting to mix down gusts of 25 to 35 mph. This, combined with the
drier air (RH values down to 25-30 percent) has led us to issue a
Special Weather Statement for elevated fire weather potential
covering all of southern New England with the exception of Cape Cod
and the islands.

KEY MESSAGE 2... Warmer on Tuesday with a chance for showers and
thunderstorms across far northwestern Massachusetts.

Cold front slowly advances toward our CWA through the day on
Tuesday. At the same time, high pressure continues to build over the
Atlantic. The result will be a gusty SW winds and even warmer
temperatures away from the marine modified airmass towards the south
coast. 925T on the order of +17C/+18C should allow highs to reach
near 80 in the lower elevations northwest of I-95. The gusty
southwest winds will hold highs in the 60s near the south coast,
Cape and Islands. It is possible that Nantucket does not even break
60 degrees! Bufkit soundings support southwest wind gusts of 25 to
35 mph with a few gusts of 40-45 mph possible towards the upper Cape.

Mainly dry weather prevails Tue as most of the synoptic scale
forcing will remain well to our west in the vicinity of the cold
front. Still see at least a low risk for a thunderstorm or two
across western Massachusetts with CAPE values increasing to around
1000 J/kg Tuesday afternoon.

KEY MESSAGE 3...Unsettled for the midweek timeframe with multiple
chances for showers and embedded thunderstorms.

A slow moving cold front approaches the region from the west on Wed.
Still some timing differences...But we do expect a band of showers
to overspread the region from west to east as the day wears along.
This may take until mid-late afternoon to reach the I-95
corridor...but again the timing still needs to be worked out. There
might be an embedded t-storm or two as well...But instability does
not look to be high enough for any severe weather.

This cold front slowly sags south of our region Wed night into Thu
bringing cooler temps. In terms of the potential for a secondary
area of low pressure, the trend amongst guidance has been for a
solution further to the south of the CWA and thus more of a glancing
blow.  The exact track of this low will have a significant impact on
temperatures during the day Thu depending on if we see rain or end
up mainly dry.

KEY MESSAGE 4...Turning sharply cooler late in the week and into the
weekend.

The long range ensembles are in good agreement in an upper trough
with below normal height fields re-establishing itself Fri into the
weekend. Modest westerly flow this time of year coupled with the
strong May sun angle should keep high temps near or just slightly
below normal though. Highs should still mainly be in the 60s. The
night/s will be potentially cool though with lows in the 40s and
potentially some 30s along with a frost risk if we have enough
clearing.

As for precipitation chances...some shortwave energy with the
associated upper trough/cold pool aloft may bring the potential for
a few showers at times. However...not expecting a washout with
plenty of dry weather expected as well over this time.

&&

.AVIATION /06Z MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/...
Forecaster Confidence Levels...

Low - less than 30 percent.
Moderate - 30 to 60 percent.
High - greater than 60 percent.

12z TAF Update...No changes.

VFR conditions continue through Tue. SW winds increase later
this morning and especially in the afternoon with gusts on the
order of 25 to 35 knots with perhaps a few gusts near 40 knots
towards the typically prone locations near KFMH. The gusts
gradually diminish this evening...but still expect sustained
S-SW winds of 5 to 15 knots overnight with a few gusts up to 20
knots persisting. Areas of LLWS this evening and overnight
associated with a modest LLJ. SW gusts to 25-35 kt redevelop
Tue.

KBOS Terminal...High confidence in TAF.

KBDL Terminal...High confidence in TAF.

Outlook /Tuesday Night through Friday/...

Tuesday Night: VFR. Breezy. Slight chance SHRA.

Wednesday through Wednesday Night: Mainly VFR, with local IFR
possible. Breezy. Chance SHRA.

Thursday: VFR. Chance SHRA.

Thursday Night: Mainly VFR, with local IFR possible. Breezy.
Chance SHRA.

Friday: VFR. Breezy. Slight chance SHRA.

&&

.MARINE...
Forecaster Confidence Levels...

Low - less than 30 percent.
Moderate - 30 to 60 percent.
High - greater than 60 percent.

High confidence.

7 AM update...

We upgraded to a Gale Warning for the nearshore waters adjacent
to Cape cod for a period of 35+ kt wind gusts this afternoon as
a modest low level jet develops.

Through Tuesday...

Southwest winds today gusting 25-30 kts. Will also see seas
build to 4-6 feet across the outer waters . Given these
conditions, the Small Craft Advisory has been extended into
Tuesday for the outer waters and expanded into the inner waters
this afternoon. There is also a chance for near-gale force winds
across Buzzard's Bay as well as Nantucket Sound this afternoon.
Additional SCAs will likely be needed Tuesday.

Outlook /Tuesday Night through Friday/...

Tuesday Night: Moderate risk for Small Craft Advisory winds
with local gusts up to 30 kt. Rough seas up to 9 ft.

Wednesday: Moderate risk for Small Craft Advisory winds with
gusts up to 25 kt. Areas of rough seas. Chance of rain showers.

Wednesday Night: Low risk for Small Craft Advisory winds with
gusts up to 25 kt. Local rough seas. Chance of rain showers,
slight chance of thunderstorms.

Thursday: Winds less than 25 kt. Areas of seas approaching
5 ft. Chance of rain showers.

Thursday Night: Winds less than 25 kt. Areas of rough seas.
Chance of rain showers.

Friday: Winds less than 25 kt. Local rough seas. Slight chance
of rain showers.

&&

.BOX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
CT...None.
MA...None.
RI...None.
MARINE...Small Craft Advisory until 8 PM EDT this evening for ANZ230-
     235>237-251.
     Gale Warning from noon today to 7 PM EDT this evening for
     ANZ231>234.
     Small Craft Advisory until 8 AM EDT Tuesday for ANZ250-254>256.

&&

DISCUSSION...FT
AVIATION...KJC/FT
MARINE...KJC/FT

The office that day

Everything else NWS Boston/Norton, MA issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
May 4, 7:04 AM EDTGale WarningBOX12 hr
May 4, 11:43 AM EDTWind AdvisoryBOXBarnstable, Bristol, Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth and 1 more30 hr

Nearby

Gale Warnings in Massachusetts, 2026Every gale warning in 2026

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text.