Another Few Toasty Days on Tap for the Northeastern U.S.

The Northeast saw the temperatures rise throughout the weekend. Will the warming trend continue? Here is a look at what this part of the nation should expect heading into the new work week.

Zone of High Pressure Responsible for Warm and Dry Weather in the Northeast

A large area of high pressure has been building across the northeastern U.S. over the weekend, paving the way for the dry conditions and warmer temperatures. This high-pressure system is forecast to continue to drive the weather patterns into the early part of the new week.

This means that those hoping for a bit of rain are going to have to wait a little longer. It has been over a week since measurable rain has been recorded in a number of major cities in the region. Meteorologists define measurable rain as amounts of 0.01 of an inch or greater.

For instance, Boston last picked up measurable rain on August 1. Just over a quarter of an inch of moisture fell at this time. You have to go back to July 28 to find the last time that rain fell across Pittsburgh. Only 0.01 of an inch of rain was observed in the Steel City on July 28.

The dry conditions will be accompanied by building heat in a swath of land from the Midwest and up into the Northeast and New England over the next few days. How warm will it get? Forecasters are predicting that daytime highs could soar to as much as 20 degrees above the typical average for the middle of August.

The mercury will not be the only number on the upswing. Humidity levels are also on an upward trajectory for this region. The result will be real feel readings that hit the mid 90s or low 100s. This is a good reminder to be intentional about staying hydrated.

The forecast models predict that the temperatures will peak across the Northeast on Tuesday. Actual highs will top out in the 90s with some areas expected to approach the century mark on this day. Several locations could tie or break the daily record high for August 12.

Looking at a few specific forecasts, New York City is expecting a high of about 91 degrees on Tuesday. Plentiful sunshine and low winds will make it feel even toastier in the Big Apple.

It will be a bit warmer in the interior portions of the Northeast. Pittsburgh is bracing for a high of about 93 degrees on Tuesday before relief arrives on Wednesday.

When to Expect the Rain to Return to the Parched Region

The good news for those parched lawns is that rain is in the forecast by the middle of the week. The arrival of a cool front will raise the chances of measurable rain beginning on Wednesday. The line of storms will march from the Tennessee Valley and into New England at this time.

Going back to Pittsburgh, the Steel City is expecting a shot of scattered rain showers and thunderstorms on Wednesday. Temperatures will also begin to slip as moisture and clouds approach the eastern U.S. This metro area will see the mercury tumble nearly 10 degrees from Tuesday to Wednesday for afternoon highs, translating to a top reading in the mid 80s. Overnight lows will land in the upper 60s.

The heat will have more staying power along the populated Interstate 95 corridor and the Southeast. After reaching the low 90s on Tuesday, Washington, D.C. will remain at this level for the balance of the week. While the nation's capital may see a stray rain shower or thunderstorm by the middle of the week, persistent moisture will be harder to come by in this part of the region. It will also remain warm overnight during this period with lows bottoming out in the mid 70s.

Areas farther to the north will experience a greater degree of relief from the heat by the end of the week. Boston is forecast to see highs in the low 90s on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday slip into the mid 80s on Thursday. Friday is shaping up to be a lovely day with highs that max out in the upper 70s under mostly sunny skies.

We will provide more updates about the forecast for the end of the week in the days ahead.

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