Frequent Storms to Start the Week in the Eastern U.S.

Posted: August 14, 2023 3:16 pm

The beginning of the new work week will be distinguished by an active weather pattern for a large swath of the eastern U.S. Will you face a stormy start to the week? Here are all of the details.

Storms Push from Midwest to the East on Monday

An unsettled weather pattern will kick off the week across much of the eastern U.S. as many kids are heading back to school for the year. A series of thunderstorms could put a damper on those back to school pictures in a zone stretching from the Ohio Valley and across to the Atlantic coast beginning Monday morning and lasting through Tuesday. A mass of energy leading an area of low pressure will be responsible for the activity.

The storms impacted the Midwest on Sunday before making their way toward the Northeast. Storms will erupt on Monday as far south as Tennessee and into Ohio and Pennsylvania before moving to the coastal areas of the Northeast and the mid-Atlantic. Monday’s severe weather threats will impact cities such as Indianapolis, Louisville, Nashville, Columbus, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Philadelphia, putting about 65 million Americans in the crosshairs.

Risks associated with Monday’s severe weather threat include strong wind gusts up to 70 mph, hail, and isolated tornadoes. The storm cells on Monday will be more likely to produce tornadoes due to the amount of wind shear.

Flash Flooding a Possibility for Ohio Valley

Forecasters are also warning that the heavy rain within these cells may trigger flash flooding events across parts of the Ohio Valley, an area that has already seen a significant amount of rain this week. For instance, the city of Nashville has recorded about three-quarters of its usual rainfall total for the month of August. More rain on the horizon means that the Music City could exceed this average by the middle of the month.

The weather maker is expected to become more organized as it moves to the east. A surge of moisture coming up from the Gulf of Mexico will help to fuel the steady rain. Meanwhile, the amount of energy coming in with the cold front will serve as additional fuel for thunderstorms development and gusty conditions. High humidity levels will also be a hallmark of this storm system thanks to the moist air from the Gulf.

Tuesday’s Weather Threats Will Move Toward the Coast

The coastal areas will be under the gun for Tuesday’s inclement weather, potentially disrupting some late season summer vacation plans at the beach. These storms could land as far south as the Mississippi Gulf Coast and as far north as southern New Jersey. Motorists using stretches of interstates 10, 75, and 95 will want to stay on top of these changing conditions.

The development could encompass some of the most populated cities in the eastern U.S. Vacationers in Washington, D.C. will want to head out to the National Mall early in the day as storms could put a damper on touring plans later in the afternoon. It will be a muggy day in the nation’s capital with a high in the upper 80s along with building humidity levels.

It could also be a stormy day for Charleston, South Carolina. Scattered afternoon thunderstorms packing small hail and gusty winds are in the forecast. It will be steamy with highs in the low 90s.

Cooler Weather in Store for the Middle of the Week

The cold front will also usher in cooler temperatures for the eastern half of the country by the middle of the week. This cool down will first begin in the Midwest on Monday with temperatures in the mid 70s in Kansas City replacing the readings in the 90s earlier in the weekend.

Wednesday is shaping up to be a pleasant day for many communities in the East. Any lingering storms should remain in the Carolinas and Georgia with areas to the north experiencing drier weather. You can expect the mercury to drop about 5 to 10 degrees from the beginning of the week.

Enjoy the brief period of dry weather while it lasts. Another storm system is on deck by the end of the week, likely impacting the Great Lakes and the Northeast. For instance, the forecast for New York City on Friday is calling for scattered thunderstorms. Stay tuned for additional information as the forecast becomes more clear in the coming days.

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