Rain slowly expands south from Northern and Central New England this morning into Southern New England by afternoon, arriving last to the South Coast, Cape Cod and the Islands. Matt Noyes gives the rundown on timing and amounts here, and Noyes’ Notes gives a peek to the weekend we’ll expand more on in our Insights video later this morning. And…we’re trying something new, below! Many have asked for a National and Northeast Weather Summary – let us know if you like it! If we hear from enough of you, we’ll keep it going.
Hurricane Helene continues to dominate national weather headlines as it strengthens to a major hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico. Expected to make landfall in the Florida Big Bend region this evening, Helene is forecast to bring catastrophic winds, deadly storm surge up to 20 feet, and torrential rainfall. The greatest impacts will be felt across northern Florida and southern Georgia, but the storm’s size will affect portions of the Carolinas and southern Appalachians as it moves inland. Flash flooding and landslides in the higher terrain, particularly the southern Appalachians, are significant concerns, with a rare High Risk of excessive rainfall in place for these areas.
Elsewhere, a frontal system will bring showers to the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, though without the severity expected in the Southeast. In the West, dry conditions persist with above-average temperatures from the Southwest to the northern Plains. Highs will soar into the 100s in the Desert Southwest, where Excessive Heat Warnings are in effect, while parts of the northern High Plains will see summer-like warmth in the 90s.
The Northeast is experiencing a more typical early autumn weather pattern, with periods of rain and unsettled conditions as a frontal system moves through. A cold front is advancing through New York and New England, bringing scattered showers and possible thunderstorms today, particularly in southern New England and the Hudson Valley. Rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1 inch are expected, with locally higher totals possible. The showers will taper off later in the evening as the front moves offshore.
As the front clears, high pressure will gradually build in from the north, bringing cooler and drier conditions starting Friday. High temperatures today will be near average, generally in the upper 60s to mid-70s, with overnight lows in the 50s. Marine interests should be aware of elevated wave heights in the region today, with Small Craft Advisories in effect due to seas of 5-6 feet along the southern New England coast.
By Friday, expect improving conditions with highs in the low 70s, but some lingering clouds and an isolated shower cannot be ruled out, particularly across southern Vermont and New Hampshire. The upcoming weekend looks to be dominated by high pressure, providing a stretch of dry, pleasant weather with seasonable temperatures. This will be favorable for outdoor activities, travel, and marine operations, as conditions settle and the risk for rip currents decreases along the coast.
Looking ahead to next week, while dry weather persists through the weekend, attention turns to the remnants of Hurricane Helene, which could influence rain chances by early next week, though significant impacts in New England appear unlikely at this time. Stay informed for potential changes in the forecast as the system evolves.
