Erratic Forecast for the Northeastern U.S. in the Days Ahead

It is going to be a wild week of weather for the Northeast with a bit of everything on the table. Residents can expect noticeable swings in temperatures, gusty winds that amplify the threat of wildfires, and times of rain. Here is a look at how the forecast is shaping up for the northeastern corner of the country this week.

Series of Storms and Fronts Creating Chaotic Forecast for the Northeast

The transition from April to May is going to be a bit erratic for the Northeast thanks to a parade of storms and cold fronts moving through the region. While some parts of this corner of the U.S. will see rain and wind, other areas will likely dodge these impacts completely.

The initial storm system for the week churned through the region over the weekend, triggering localized downpours and high winds. It had been approximately two weeks since some parts of the Northeast had picked up measurable rainfall, making the rain a welcome sight.

The second half of the weekend featured drier conditions and cooler temperatures at the hands of a new cold front. However, the winds that kicked up with the arrival of the frontal boundary also increased the risk of wildfires. Forecasters are predicting that this cycle of rain followed by gusty winds and drier conditions will repeat this week, keeping residents on their toes.

The high winds will create an elevated risk of wildfires through at least Tuesday. The threat comes as crews are finally getting a handle on last week's major fire that broke out in New Jersey. The Jones Road Fire has burned more than 15,000 acres across Ocean County, New Jersey. As of Sunday afternoon, this fire was about 65% contained.

Fires are also burning in central portions of Pennsylvania due to the dry conditions and the high winds. A good majority of New Jersey and Pennsylvania will continue to experience wildfire conditions over the next few days. Lower humidity levels, northwesterly winds coming in at speeds of 35 to 40 mph, and intense sunshine will all work together to make it easy for fires to ignite and spread in fast fashion.

Local officials are asking residents to exercise caution because of the enhanced fire risk. For instance, outdoor burning is not advised for the zone from eastern portions of Virginia and West Virginia and up into southern New England. Although lighter winds are expected on Monday and Tuesday, it will still be breezy enough to make it easy for fires to erupt.

More Rain on the Horizon for Later in the Week

There will be more chances for rain later in the week as another front makes its way into the Northeast by late Tuesday or early Wednesday. The arrival of this front will translate to renewed threats of locally heavy rain and isolated times of severe weather. However, this is not expected to be a major weather maker as it will lose some of its energy as it moves farther to the east.

More gusty conditions are expected to whip up behind the front on Wednesday. This will inevitably increase the odds of wildfires again by the middle of the week. The greatest chance of fire danger will be across southern portions of New England.

The long-range forecast models are indicating that another storm and front will push through the region late in the week and into the weekend. Forecasters will continue to keep tabs on this situation.

Although the weather may seem a bit volatile this week, any bit of moisture is good news for the parched Northeast. According to the latest update from the U.S. Drought Monitor, severe drought conditions are in place for parts of West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey.

Fluctuating Temperatures

The erratic weather will also result in vast temperature swings throughout the upcoming week. The mercury will climb into the 80s during the warmest stretches with highs maxing out in the 60s at other times over the next few days.

For instance, while the temperatures cooled slightly by the end of the weekend, the readings will be on the rise again beginning Tuesday afternoon. Places as far north as New York City could see readings in the 80s on this day before the next cold front arrives and brings the temperatures back down with it.

Meteorologists are also cautioning gardeners that a late-season frost could pose dangers to sensitive plants and vegetation across the interior Northeast on Wednesday night and again next weekend. This is likely to be the last frost concerns of the season for many communities in the Northeast as summer inches closer.

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