However, a flood warning has been issued for Boston until 6 p.m. Friday as it experiences the highest flooding of the year – also known as “spring tides” – and gusty winds push against the coast. Spring tides occur three to four times a year and are usually 12 to 24 inches higher than average tides. Flooding could occur in low-lying areas like Boston Harbor on Friday as spring tides begin at 1:06 a.m. and 1:27 p.m., with mainly offshore winds pushing against the coast at up to 30 mph.

The flood warning is valid from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Spring tides, which often flood the harbor with 12-foot high tides, occur when the Earth, moon and sun are aligned in a way that increases gravity on the oceans, causing water levels to rise several feet above normal. The non-scientific term can also refer to extremely low tides.

For the rest of the day, scattered showers are expected across southeastern Massachusetts into the night. Those north of the Mass Pike and west of I-95 should stay dry today as a persistent high pressure system lingers.

North and west of Boston, precipitation should decrease quickly as the two air masses jockey for position. Ultimately, Boston could remain dry or see a shower or two before precipitation totals increase to a quarter inch. The Cape and Islands should see over an inch of precipitation by this evening.

Temperatures are also expected to drop today. With cloudy skies, scattered rain and a northeast breeze up to 10 mph, highs in Boston will not quite reach 70°F, and temperatures will remain above 65°F across much of southeastern New England.

You may even feel a light breeze on the way home from the city—some gusts can reach speeds of 15 to 20 miles per hour.

Offshore winds will increase rip currents throughout the day. Rift warnings are in effect from the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border, around the Cape, and to the Rhode Island coast for most of the day.

Eventually, the high pressure system protecting the northern part of the region will build up enough to push the low further east and bring dry conditions back over the weekend. However, it may not happen until late Saturday. For now, we expect isolated showers on Friday and Saturday morning.

Thursday’s breakdown

Southern New England: Right on the edge of both borders. Light showers are possible as you get closer to the Cape. Otherwise, it will be partly to mostly cloudy at times. Temperatures will remain cool, reaching only the mid to upper 60s. Scattered showers will linger into the evening, with a gusty breeze that can reach 10 to 15 mph at times.

Western Massachusetts: Much of the area west of Worcester will remain dry, with sunshine mixing with mainly cloudy skies. Temperatures will reach just over 21 degrees. Light breezes up to 10 mph.

Cape and Islands: Today is the most likely day to see a few showers. Some showers may produce brief downpours, but there is no risk of flooding. More than 1 inch of rain is expected in some areas. Gusty weather is also expected, with winds of 15 mph onshore and gusts of 20 to 25 mph. A few showers may develop later in the evening.

Northern New England: High pressure will ensure that the rain does not penetrate too far into the northern part of the region – it will only bring a few isolated showers to the region. Other than that, skies in the north will be partly to mostly sunny, with temperatures likely to be between 25 and 26 degrees, with a few isolated 27-degree readings.

Reach Ken Mahan at [email protected]. Follow him on Instagram @kenmahantheweatherman.