Northeast U.S. – After experiencing chilly rain in late May and a dry, warm spell in early June, the Northeast is set to flip-flop between nice weather and drenching storms into mid-month. This unpredictable weather pattern is typical for the late spring period, with more rounds of showers and thunderstorms expected through next week.
Warm Weather Coming to an End
The first significant warmup of the season hit the East Coast during the first week of June, with temperatures soaring into the 80s and 90s. But this pool weather will soon be replaced with cooler conditions. AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Chad Merrill explains that cooler weather is expected to arrive this weekend, making it too chilly for some to visit the local pools or lakes.
Before this cool down hits, thunderstorms will rumble along and ahead of a cold front through Friday evening, with some of the storms potentially turning severe. These storms could bring gusty winds and small hailstones. For those enjoying outdoor activities, like swimming, they might need to seek shelter briefly as storms roll through.
Weekend Outlook: Cooler and Drier Conditions
By Friday night and Saturday morning, drier and cooler air will push into the eastern Great Lakes and parts of the interior Northeast. For New England and the mid-Atlantic coast, the storms won’t fully clear until late Saturday.
The temperature drop will be quite noticeable, as highs will drop 5-10 degrees below average, making it feel much cooler than the warm temperatures of earlier in the week. Low temperatures could dip into the 50s on a few mornings into next week. However, despite this cool snap, frost is not expected in most areas, and the growing season will not be interrupted.
Wet and Stormy Weather to Return
Unfortunately, the dry spell that arrived with the cool air won’t last long. By Sunday, a new storm system packed with moisture will approach from the midsection of the U.S.. The rain will first affect the Appalachians and mid-Atlantic, then spread into the rest of the Northeast to start the workweek on Monday.
Unlike the cold late May storms, the air for these rains will be warmer, with winds coming from the south and west, meaning the storms will not be as chilly. However, this rain could disrupt outdoor plans and could potentially bring in wildfire smoke from Canada during dry spells.
Drought Conditions Improving
After a series of consistent rains in May, the Northeast is no longer in need of additional rain. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the area experiencing drought conditions in the Northeast has dropped from 25% to less than 1% since April.
A Warm-Up on the Horizon
For those craving more pool or beach time, the wait might not be long. Meteorologist Chad Merrill indicates that high pressure bringing record heat to the Northwest will likely shift to the East by the end of next week, bringing much above-average temperatures and flipping the temperature pattern back to summer warmth.
