Although some of us are still dealing with a gusty wind this morning, that’s shutting down pretty quickly from west to east. Rain, on the other hand, will linger much longer, with far eastern spots like the Outer Cape and the eastern tip of Maine not seeing the rain end entirely until predawn Tuesday! Matt Noyes has full details on the next 24 hours, plus Noyes’ Notes, in our 1°Outside Today video!
A powerful storm system is impacting the eastern U.S., bringing widespread rain, gusty winds, and strong thunderstorms along the East Coast. A cold front is sweeping offshore this morning, but lingering showers persist over parts of New England. Strong southerly winds overnight allowed for unseasonably warm temperatures, but cooler air is arriving behind the front.
Further west, a developing winter storm is taking shape over the northern and central Rockies and will move into the High Plains. This system is expected to bring heavy snow and gusty winds from the central Plains to the Upper Midwest Tuesday into Wednesday, with the potential for blizzard conditions. This storm will eventually track into the Great Lakes and Northeast later in the week, bringing a mix of wintry precipitation and rain.
Meanwhile, in the western U.S., a series of Pacific storms are delivering heavy mountain snow and rain to the Cascades, Sierra Nevada, and northern Rockies. The Northwest will continue to see unsettled weather through midweek as another system moves onshore.
Temperatures remain well above average across much of the country, especially in the central and eastern U.S., where widespread highs in the 50s and 60s are expected. However, colder air behind the approaching winter storm will bring temperatures back below average across the northern Plains and Rockies.
The powerful cold front that pushed through overnight has brought a dramatic shift in weather conditions across the Northeast. Early morning showers and periods of moderate to heavy rain continue over eastern New England, particularly in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and coastal Maine, but drier air will gradually filter in from the west by late afternoon. Some lingering drizzle or light rain may persist over coastal areas into the evening before the system fully exits.
Rainfall & Flooding Concerns:
Total rainfall amounts across the region range from 1.0 to 2.5 inches, with localized higher amounts over southeastern New England. Urban and poor drainage flooding remains a concern, especially in areas that saw intense rainfall rates overnight. In addition, the combination of heavy rain and snowmelt has led to rapid rises in rivers across interior New England and eastern New York. Flood warnings are in effect for portions of the Connecticut River, Mohawk River, and several tributaries in Vermont and upstate New York.
Winds & Marine Impacts:
Winds have shifted from strong southerly gusts overnight to a more westerly direction behind the cold front. Gusts of 25-40 mph will persist through the day, strongest along the coast and higher terrain. Marine conditions remain hazardous, with gale warnings in effect for the outer coastal waters as seas remain rough.
Temperature Trends:
Despite the early warmth, temperatures will gradually fall through the day as colder air works in from the west. Highs will peak in the upper 40s to low 50s in southern New England and mid-30s to low 40s in northern areas before dropping sharply tonight. In higher elevations, rain may mix with or change to snow before ending, though little to no accumulation is expected.
Midweek Outlook:
Tuesday and Wednesday will bring a return to dry and mild conditions, with highs climbing into the 50s and even lower 60s in some areas. However, another storm system will approach the region late Thursday into Friday, bringing another round of rain, gusty winds, and even the potential for some accumulating snow in northern New England as colder air wraps in behind the system. This system will also likely bring another period of river rises and potential flooding concerns.
