Memorial Day is federal holiday set aside for remembering the people who died while serving in the country’s armed forces.
The holiday is observed every year on the last Monday of May. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the war.
The holiday weekend's less solemn significance typically marks the start of the summer vacation season, while Labor Day signals its end.
Many Americans travel the highways to see friends and family and gas prices are lower than this time last year by a full dollar.
Travel is expected to be up five-point-three percent…meaning an additional 33-million travelers will be on road, the highest predicted volume in ten years, according to the American Automobile Association of New England.
Meteorologist Joe D’Aleo is co-founder of the Weather Channel and weather analyst at Weatherbell.com.
The forecast for the holiday looks good, cool Saturday, warmer Sunday and the threat of a shower Monday, but we are in a dry spell. D’Aleo says,” it’s the result of the cold waters in the Great lakes and lingering snow in southern Canada, which keeps the air masses stronger and drains drier air down into the northeast.”
D’Aleo spoke with WGBH Morning Edition host Bob Seay and says, if you've noticed it's dry or your allergies were acting up due to the high pollen seen everywhere that's because, "we're running about 4.4 inches behind normal in Boston, so far this spring.”'
To listen to the entire interview with Bob Seay and Joe D'Aleo about the upcoming forecast for the summer click on the audio link above.
