Massachusetts
Massachusetts should get ‘much-welcomed’ rain, even snow in spots amid ‘Critical Drought’ as wildfires keep burning
Have you ever been so excited for some rain?
As Massachusetts enters the “Critical Drought” status with dozens of wildfires burning across the region, meteorologists are predicting that some “much-welcomed” rain should arrive soon. Even wet snow will be possible in higher elevation spots on Thursday night.
The Bay State desperately needs this precipitation following an unprecedented lack of rain in recent months, triggering this brutal drought and sparking brush fires.
Over the past 30 days, most of the state has received less than an inch of rain, which is 3 to 4.5 inches below normal. Many areas recorded their lowest rainfall ever for this time of the year.
“Slow-moving frontal system brings overcast and much-welcomed rains Thurs into Fri, which could mix with wet snow at locations above 1,500 ft elevation Thurs night and Fri.,” the National Weather Service’s Boston office wrote in its forecast discussion.
The latest wildfires in the region were reported in Blue Hills Reservation on Tuesday, as firefighters battled the 40-acre blaze.
“The DCR Fire Control team, in coordination with the Milton Fire Department, is actively working to contain the fire and ensure public safety,” the state Department of Conservation and Recreation posted. “DCR urges the public to avoid the area to allow emergency responders to work safely and to take precautions against smoke.”
As of Tuesday, there were about 37 active wildfires across the state. This year’s fire season has lasted longer because of the dry conditions. Hundreds of wildfires have broken out across the state since the start of October, burning more land than Massachusetts usually sees in an entire year.
A “Critical Drought” was declared across most of the state on Tuesday, except for the Cape and Islands regions.
“Massachusetts is experiencing critical drought conditions that are fueling unprecedented and destructive wildfires across the state,” Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper said in a statement. “Climate change is reshaping our region’s weather patterns, resulting in warmer and drier fall and winter seasons.
“Water conservation is more important than ever,” Tepper added. “We urge municipalities, residents, and businesses — including those with private wells — to help us reduce stress on our water systems. We need to work together to ensure we have enough clean drinking water, protect wildlife habitats, and maintain effective fire control. Every small effort counts.”
Originally Published:
Gov. Maura Healey spoke Wednesday about the public health and safety preparations it is making ahead of this summer’s World Cup matches in Massachusetts.
Gillette Stadium — to be called Boston Stadium — will be the site of seven matches between June 13 and July 9.
The state is carrying out planning and training with local, state and federal agencies on everything from transportation and crowd management to cybersecurity, public health, and emergency response.
“Residents and visitors alike can be confident that we are prepared to host a safe, secure and successful World Cup,” Healey said.
Healey said the state secured about $76 million in federal funding to pay for security and preparedness.
The state has more information about the World Cup at Match-Ready Massachusetts.
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Gillette will host a friendly Thursday between France and Brazil as a warm up to the World Cup.
5 different ways Easter is celebrated around the world
Did you know that Easter isn’t always just celebrated with chocolate? Easter is marked very differently around the globe.
unbranded – Lifestyle
The arrival of spring means Easter is almost here – it falls on Sunday, April 5, this year.
With the holiday only two weeks away, Christians all over New England are preparing to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus. However, for children, the holiday is significant for another reason: candy.
All across the country on Easter Sunday, children will hunt for hidden Easter eggs in hopes of finding a sweet treasure inside. Wondering where they can do so in Massachusetts?
Here are eight Easter celebrations and egg hunts in Massachusetts to bring the kids to this year.
Easter Egg Hunt at Smolak Farms
Hop into Easter fun with the egg hunt at Smolak Farms, where children are welcome to gather as many eggs and goods they can find. Tickets, which cost $25 per child, also include photos with the Easter Bunny, lawn games, music and animal viewing. Hayrides and fresh apple cider donuts will also be available for purchase.
The egg hunts will take place on April 4: one at 11 a.m. for childen ages 1-4, and another at noon for children ages 5-9. Smolak Farms is located at 315 South Bradford St. in North Andover.
Patriot Place Easter Egg Roll
Head to Patriot Place for an Easter Egg Roll right across from Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots. Open for ages 1-8, the event promises to be an “egg-citing day filled with adventure,” according to the website.
Patriot Place’s Easter egg roll will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, April 3, located on the North End Zone Plaza across from the Patriots ProShop. Registration is required for this event and can be done through the Patriot Place Advantage App.
Eggstravaganza at The Zoo in Forest Park
Celebrate Easter with your children’s favorite zoo animals at The Zoo in Forest Park, where the Eggstravaganza event includes face painting, crafts, a Bunny Trail with goodies throughout the zoo and, of course, visits with animals including the Easter Bunny himself.
Tickets cost $13 for adults, $8 for children or $9 for seniors and military, with discounted admission available to zoo members. All tickets must be purchased online in advance.
The Zoo in Forest Park’s Eggstravaganza will be from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 4 at 293 Sumner Ave. in Springfield.
Bunny Bash with The Arc South Shore
Head to Derby Street Shops for the fourth annual Bunny Bash on The Green, presented by The Arc South Shore. Along with an egg hunt, the springtime event includes fac painting, temporary tattoos and photos wirh the Easter Bunny.
The Bunny Bash will take place on Friday, April 3, with one session at 10 a.m. and another session at 11 a.m. Tickets, which can be bought online, cost $10 per person. The Green at Derby Street Shops is located at 92-98 Derby St. in Hingham.
Easter Sunday Brunch Train
Looking for a unique way to celebrate Easter? Hop on the Cape Cod Central Railroad for an Easter Sunday brunch on wheels. The 2.5-hour train ride will allow you and your family to relax, take in the sights of the Cape Cod Canal and enjoy a three-course meal, with specialty Easter options including Cadbury creme French toast, poached pear overnight oats and carrot cake for dessert.
Train tickets start at $54.99 for children ages 3-12 and $74.99 for adults, though premium and lounge seating options are also available at an increased price. All bookings can be made online, and any remaining tickets will be sold in-person on a first come, first serve basis.
The Easter Sunday Brunch train will start at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 5. Trains depart from 252 Main St. in Hyannis.
Easter Egg Hunt at C.N. Smith Farm
The Easter egg hunt at C.N. Smith Farm includes 12 eggs per child, pictures with the Easter Bunny, a model train display, a bubble machine and goods from the farmstand. Plus, after hunting for eggs, children can enjoy hot cocoa with Peep bunnies, as well as cider donuts and treats in the donut barn.
Admission costs $15 per child, and all reservations must be made online in advance. C.N. Smith Farm’s egg hunt will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4. The farm is located at 325 South St. in East Bridgewater.
Hammond Castle Easter Egg Hunt
Would your kids enjoy hunting for eggs on the grounds of a real castle? Hammond Castle Museum is hosting its annual Easter egg hunt on Saturday, March 28. The castle has not yet released a time or tickets, so be sure to check the website for the latest details.
Easter Bunny Adventure at Silver Bell Farm
At Silver Bell Farm’s Easter Bunny Adventure, the goal of the egg hunt is to look for the rare silver egg in the Christmas Tree Forest. However, the fun doesn’t stop at the egg hunt. Additional activities include visits with the Easter Bunny, a story walk along the bunny trail, an outdoor play area, a train ride and more. Be sure to stop in the City Sidewalk Cafe or Santa’s Sleigh Shop to shop for some special treats and gifts.
The Easter Bunny Adventure will take place from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29, with sign-ups for specific timeslots available. Silver Bell Farm is located at 305 Silver St. in Monson.
Massachusetts tourism and political leaders have plenty to cheer about in 2026.
“This year for tourism is going to be huge,” said Marykay Wydra with Explore Western Mass.
“It’s going to be an incredible summer,” said Martha Sheridan with MeetBoston.
Millions of visitors are expected over the next few months as the Bay State prepares to host seven 2026 World Cup matches, America 250 celebrations and normal summer tourism.
But while Boston and Foxborough will be the epicenters of activity, Gov. Maura Healey says it’s critical that the rest of the state is able to reap some of the economic benefits.
“The state is going to help, private organizations are going to help, companies are going to help,” said Gov. Healey.
The statewide push is aided in part by $10 million in state grants.
“We wanted to make sure there was money there for communities to host watch parties during the World Cup event,” Healey said.
“With more we can do more,” said Wydra.
“Any funding where we can help add a special angle to that, this being the World Cup, is helpful,” said Jessye Deane with the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce.
Beyond those broader goals, Massachusetts will get a preview of how the World Cup matches will play out this week as France and Brazil play an international friendly match at Gillette Stadium.
“From an operational perspective, from a security and transportation perspective. It does give us a good opportunity to test some things out,” said Healey.
“It’s a 4 p.m. match so it mirrors time slots for the World Cup, we’ll test out train routes on Thursday,” said Sheridan.
It’s an early challenge for the Commonwealth as it looks to come away with an economic win.
As a reminder, the first World Cup match will be held on June 13 between Haiti and Scotland.
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