Summer to Return to the Northeast with Muggier Conditions and More Rain

Posted: August 3, 2023 9:30 am

A mass of cooler and less humid air has some people in the Northeast wondering if summer is over. Not quite so fast. Forecasters are calling for a seismic shift in the weather in the coming days for this part of the country, bringing in conditions that are more typical of early August.

Temperatures Set to Rebound to More Normal Levels

It has felt more like late summer or early fall throughout much of the Northeast this week. The mercury dropped into the mid 30s in the higher terrains of the Adirondack Mountains on Tuesday while the populated cities along the Interstate 95 corridor saw readings in the low 60s.

It is rare to have to grab a jacket while heading out for the morning commute this time of the year but that is exactly what happened for some residents of the Northeast.

This weather pattern is all about to change as hotter and wetter conditions return to the region with a vengeance. While Wednesday will remain dry for the bulk of the Northeast, the rain machine is predicted to fire up again to end the week. As a result, you can also expect climbing humidity levels.

The humidity will begin to become more noticeable throughout the day Thursday. By Friday, it may feel downright muggy in some communities. These humidity levels will be more indicative of what you would generally expect in early August.

The change in the weather will also translate to a greater chance of rain and thunderstorms on Thursday and into Friday. The rainy pattern will harken back to earlier in July when the region was under a constant barrage of flooding downpours. Localized flooding could be an issue for the end of the week, particularly in urban areas.

The good news is that the ground has been able to dry out over the last week thanks to the drier weather pattern this week. This means that it will be able to better absorb any moisture that does fall. Forecasters are not expecting any widespread small stream flooding issues in the coming days.

Where the Rain Will Fall

What areas will see the most rain? The heaviest rain will fall along the mid-Atlantic coast and up through New England starting on Thursday night and lingering through Friday. Motorists heading out for the weekend along the Interstate 95 corridor will want to be aware of the chance of heavy rain and reduced visibility on the roadways.

This includes travel through Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston. Air travelers through these cities should also keep an eye on their flight status. Scattered storms could lead to flight delays.

For example, New York City is forecast to see scattered thunderstorms in the morning hours with the clouds and isolated storms lingering through the afternoon and evening. Highs will top out at about 77 degrees, however, higher humidity levels will make it feel steamier.

Forecast for the Weekend and Into Next Week

This weather maker will move along at a fast clip, leaving dry conditions for the weekend. The temperatures will fall again on Saturday and Sunday, making for a mostly pleasant weekend for outdoor activities in the Northeast.

Looking ahead to next week, you can expect the chance of more rain on the horizon. The unsettled weather pattern will translate to sporadic rain showers and the risk of storms igniting from time to time.

The temperatures will also be on an upward trajectory once again next week. However, it is unlikely that any one area will be under an extended heat wave. Instead, you will likely find readings that hover in the 80s for many of the big cities in the Northeast. The exception will be farther to the south where places such as Washington, D.C. may hit the 90-degree mark on Monday.

Heat Also Returns to Miami

Farther to the south along the East Coast, the heat will also be back on in Miami after a brief respite. It was a week ago that Miami saw the end to a streak of 34 days of temperatures at or above 90 degrees for a high. This streak included 22 consecutive days under a heat advisory. As a result, the month is going to go down as the hottest July on record for Miami.

The city enjoyed a few days of readings in the 80s before Mother Nature cranked it back up again to start the new week. A westerly wind direction has been blamed for the persistent heat, mitigating the impacts of the typical ocean breezes.

Looking at the long-range forecast, the heat is expected to stick around to this degree well into August. Real feel readings, taking into account the sunshine and the humidity levels, will trend 10 to 20 degrees higher.

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