Rain Returns to the Northeast After Weeks of Dry, Sunny Weather

The weeks-long dry stretch in the Northeast is finally coming to an end. While moisture is needed in this corner of the country, the drastic change in the weather will bring along the usual hazards of localized flooding and slick roads. Here is a look at when and where the rain is expected to reach the Northeast.

Long Dry Stretch Coming to an End in the Northeast

It was an exceptionally dry and mild October for the northeastern U.S. Mostly sunny days and cool nights ushered in a fantastic fall foliage season for this region. The pleasant weather encouraged residents to get outside for traditional fall activities without worry of disruptions. However, all good things must come to an end.

Forecasters are warning residents of the Northeast that the storm that impacted the central U.S. on Election Day is now creeping farther to the east. The rain showers and thunderstorms will spread from the Plains to the Mississippi Valley by Wednesday, reaching the East Coast by late in the day or early Thursday.

The latest forecast models indicate that it will remain dry for much of mid-Atlantic coastline and up into New England on Wednesday. However, the interior portions of the Northeast could see the rain a bit earlier. For example, Pittsburgh is likely to see the rain move in by the afternoon hours. Rainfall of about a quarter of an inch is in the forecast for the overnight hours and into Thursday.

Despite the increasing cloud cover, temperatures will remain on the warm side on Wednesday for most of the East Coast. Going back to Pittsburgh, the Steel City is forecast to see highs climb into the upper 70s with overnight lows bottoming out in the low 60s.

This is a good time to store outdoor furniture cushions, patio umbrellas, or any other items that you do not keep outside during the winter months. The window for dry conditions is closing quickly, and it is better to store these items when they are not already wet.

Roadways may become slick in the first few hours after the rain starts falling. This is a common occurrence when the oil and other residue that has accumulated on the pavement mix with the first rainfall in weeks. The wet leaves will also raise the risk of slippery roads and sidewalks.

In addition to the storm system tracking in from the west, a surge of tropical moisture coming over from the Atlantic could amplify this rain event. The combination of these two systems will raise the risk of localized street flooding. This flooding threat will be the highest in areas where recently fallen leaves are clogging storm drains. Regardless of the threat of flooding, commuters should be prepared for a slow ride to work on Thursday morning.