For some parts of the U.S., those planning outdoor activities for Memorial Day weekend might have to come up with a plan B. A rare nor’easter is underway in New England on Thursday, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall.

The rains that have the drought conditions on the run will be backing off, but on the eve of the apocyrphal “official start of summer,” the region is getting a reminder that the solstice still is about a month away.