Brief Period of Dry Conditions for Northeast Before Next Rain Event

Posted: September 27, 2023 10:09 am

The Northeast is begging for mercy after the impacts of what was once Tropical Storm Ophelia stalled out over the region in recent days. Are drier conditions finally on the horizon? Here is what you can expect in the Northeast this week.

What is Left of Tropical Storm Ophelia Finally Moving Out of Northeast

The remnants of Ophelia are slowly exiting the U.S., bringing in dry weather to the Northeast for the first time in days. It was an exceptionally soggy weekend for this corner of the country after Tropical Storm Ophelia made landfall Saturday morning in North Carolina and proceeded to churn up the coast.

How wet was it? New York City recorded over 2 inches of rain out of this massive weather maker. Temperatures dropped well below the historical average for the middle of September for the bulk of the region thanks to the cloud cover and cool winds.

Tuesday was another day of lingering rain showers. For instance, Philadelphia was under rain showers to start the day, making for a wet morning commute. The rain began to dissipate later in the day but the cloud cover remained in place. These clouds kept the temperatures right at the 60-degree mark for a high. You will find a similar forecast in New York City with winds clocking in at 10 to 20 mph making it feel even chillier.

High Pressure System Will Create More Sunshine

Residents craving some classic crisp fall weather are in luck. A change is on the way for the middle of the week thanks to an area of high pressure that is forecast to drop down from Canada and hover over New England. This high pressure will end the chances of rain as well as usher in more sunshine to the region.

A stiff breeze out of the northeast will keep temperatures in the 60s and low 70s for most of the Northeast. In addition, overnight lows will continue to be on the chilly side, landing in the 40s and the 50s.

While the skies will dry out in the coming days, the coastal areas will still be under the threat of a number of weather hazards. The high pressure system will also keep the high winds in place across the coastline, translating for some blustery conditions at the beach. This additional wind could contribute to a higher risk of beach erosion in areas that have already seen this erosion due to Ophelia.

The risk of beach erosion will stretch from Long Island, New York down into the Outer Banks of North Carolina. This will translate to additional risks of tidal flooding for this swath of coastline that has already been battered over the last few days.

Looking Ahead to the Extended Forecast

Enjoy the dry weather while it lasts. Another storm is on the horizon, forecast to move in beginning Thursday. For instance, showers are back on the radar for places such as Pittsburgh on Thursday and Friday. Temperatures will remain in the upper 60s and low 70s in the Steel City.

The rain will take a bit longer to hit the coastal areas of the region as the slow-moving storm system crawls from west to east. The moisture will hold off until Friday for New York City and Philadelphia.

The good news for those with outdoor plans this weekend is that the rain will begin to clear out starting Saturday. Sunday should be a good day for almost all of the region for traditional fall activities such as visiting the pumpkin patch or heading to a football game. Looking ahead to the long-range forecast, you can expect sporadic bursts of rain mixed with times of sun and moderate temperatures.

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