We’re diving into the next couple of weeks, starting with temperatures. Today is the coolest day of the coming weeks, with temperatures in the 70s. However, prepare for a hot stretch as we head towards the end of the week and into the weekend, with highs climbing into the 80s and lower 90s. Keep in mind that these numbers are a New England-wide average, so some areas might hit the lower 90s. Along with the heat, real humid air will be in place, pushing the heat index into the mid-90s at times.
Next week, temperatures will drop slightly to the 80-85 range, and towards the end of the period, we might even see some 70s. These numbers might be a bit generous, depending on the wind flow and storm tracks.
Our current pattern, which has persisted all summer, features elevated precipitation chances followed by a few quieter days before another spike. Today we have showers and storms, with numerous showers and storms expected on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday will be quieter, but the weekend brings another round of showers and thunderstorms on both Saturday and Sunday. Early next week looks quieter again, with chances increasing by mid-week.
The jet stream plays a crucial role in steering storms and acts as a thermostat, separating cooler air to the north and warmer air to the south. Currently, we have an area of low pressure lifting northward into eastern Canada, with multiple smaller energy pieces overhead. Nothing too substantial until we see a dip, or trough, in central Canada heading into the weekend and early next week. This dip will steer more storms and increase the risk of showers and thunderstorms.
There’s also been talk about potential tropical development. A cluster of thunderstorms way out in the Atlantic is being monitored by the National Hurricane Center. There’s a 0% chance of development in the next couple of days, but a 50% chance of development over the next 7 days. The zone of potential development extends into the Florida now. With any tropical system development in that zone, the eastern seaboard will need to keep an eye on it. However, with the trough in the jet stream over the Northeast, sliding offshore, any developing storm is more likely to pass south and east of us if it becomes a named system. We’ll keep you posted on any additional developments in the coming days.
