Cool Air to Filter Down Into Northern U.S. in Coming Days

Posted: June 5, 2023 11:17 am

After last week’s near heat wave, it will be a week of cooler weather across a large portion of the country stretching from the Ohio Valley and into New England. This weather pattern will also be marked by drier conditions. Here is a look at what you can expect this week.

Dip in Jet Stream Sets Up Cooler Weather Pattern

A large dip in the jet stream will usher in the cooler temperatures. The dip in the jet stream is a result of the leftover energy from what was once Typhoon Mawar spinning across the West Pacific. The remnants of this energy will force the jet stream down, sending the temperatures down in the process.

The mercury will first begin its descent starting during the middle of the week. Another surge of cooler air will happen at the beginning of the following week. Forecasters are predicting that temperatures will fall as far as 15 degrees below average for this time of the year by Friday or Saturday.

Overnight lows will also plummet by the middle of the week. Some portions of New England, upstate New York, and northern Pennsylvania may see readings in the low 40s after the sun goes down. The higher terrains may even see temperatures hit as low as the 30s.

Limited areas of New England may see a few light rain showers pop up throughout the week as a result of the dip in the jet stream and the formation of an area of low pressure located along the coast.

The highest chance of rain will not be until later in the week when the area of low pressure picks up moisture from the Atlantic and deposits it over land. This moisture will add to the already higher than normal amounts of precipitation this month for coastal New England.

Dry Conditions to Persist in Great Lakes and Ohio Valley

However, it will be a different story in regards to moisture for areas farther to the west. The Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, and mid-Atlantic are not expected to see much in the way of precipitation this week.

The long-range forecast of little to no moisture for this region is expected to intensify growing drought concerns for the region.

The expanding drought was worsened last week when the start of June brought temperatures well above the historical average. For instance, some areas of New England and beyond saw readings soar into the mid 90s.

Daily record highs were also set last week across the mid-Atlantic, including a sweltering 97 degrees recorded in Baltimore on Friday. This broke the long-standing record of 96 degrees from 100 years ago.

The ongoing dry conditions have been an issue for much of the Ohio Valley and the Great Lakes. Red flag warnings and fire weather watches were in effect for the area over the weekend as strong winds combined with low humidity and dry soil to raise the risk of wildfires.

A fire burned over 2,400 acres in northern Michigan on Saturday, forcing the evacuation of several homes and closing down a portion of Interstate 75.

While the evacuation orders were lifted and the highway reopened by the end of the weekend, local officials continue to warn residents about the danger of wildfire spread due to the weather conditions.

The growing drought conditions have also contributed to the low water levels in area streams and rivers. Combined with the wildfire risk, these conditions have negatively impacted the plans of campers and other nature lovers as they head outside for camping and other outdoor adventures.

Lastly, the smoke from the fires burning in Canada in recent weeks has made its way as far south as the Ohio Valley. This smoke has created poor air quality conditions for much of the northern U.S. The conditions are expected to remain an issue throughout the week.

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