Unprecedented May Nor'easter Hits New England with Snow and Record Cold

An uncommon May nor'easter swept through New England just before Memorial Day weekend, bringing heavy rainfall, unexpected snowfall in higher elevations, and record-low temperatures. The storm disrupted holiday plans, strained local infrastructure, and posed challenges to residents and authorities alike.

Nor'easters are powerful storms characterized by strong northeasterly winds along the East Coast of North America. They typically develop in late fall and winter, bringing heavy rain or snow, strong winds, and coastal flooding. The occurrence of a nor'easter in late May is highly unusual, as atmospheric conditions during this time are generally not conducive to such storm formations.

Massachusetts and Rhode Island bore the brunt of the rainfall, with Kingston, Massachusetts, recording 7.13 inches (18.1 centimeters) of rain in a 24-hour period ending early Friday, May 23. This deluge led to localized flooding, stranded vehicles, and downed trees, though no injuries were reported. In higher elevations, snowfall was recorded; Mount Washington in New Hampshire reported 4 inches (10.1 centimeters) of snow on May 23.

Temperatures plummeted approximately 20 degrees below normal. On May 22, Concord, New Hampshire, reached a high of 47°F (8.3°C), breaking the previous record of 51°F set in 1939. Portland, Maine, recorded a high of 49°F (9.4°C), surpassing the 50°F record set in 2011. These unseasonably cold temperatures disrupted agricultural activities and raised concerns among farmers about potential impacts on crops and planting schedules.

The storm also led to travel disruptions. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority suspended services on its Lynn commuter ferry due to rough seas. Additionally, wind gusts over 40 mph and more than 2 inches of rain were forecast for some areas, with the heaviest rain expected in Rhode Island and parts of Massachusetts. Snow was possible in mountainous regions of Maine and New Hampshire. Temperatures fell below 50°F in several cities including Portland, Providence, and Montpelier. The storm disrupted transportation, leading to over 60 flight cancellations and the suspension of ferry services due to rough seas. Although localized flooding and difficult driving were concerns, catastrophic flooding was not expected. Meteorologists described the event as a rare winter-type setup in spring, which under different timing could have resulted in a major snowstorm. The storm was expected to taper off by Friday, leaving behind lingering light rain and drizzle.

The timing of this nor'easter, occurring just before Memorial Day weekend—a period traditionally associated with the start of summer activities—had several societal impacts. Many residents and tourists had planned outdoor activities, travel, and events for the holiday weekend. The severe weather led to cancellations and postponements, affecting local economies that rely on tourism during this period. The unseasonably cold temperatures and heavy precipitation could have adverse effects on crops and planting schedules, potentially impacting local farmers and food supply chains. Localized flooding and downed trees posed challenges for emergency services and municipal infrastructure, requiring prompt responses to ensure public safety and restore normalcy.

While nor'easters are uncommon in May, there have been instances of late-season storms in the past. In April 2021, a nor'easter brought significant snowfall to parts of New England, with the Berkshires and Worcester Hills in Massachusetts receiving 6–12 inches of snow. However, such events remain rare, and the May 2025 nor'easter serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of weather patterns and the importance of preparedness for extreme weather events, regardless of the season.