Weekend Forecast Calling for More of the Same in the Eastern U.S.

The dry weather pattern across the eastern U.S. has some staying power. Forecasters are offering little hope that significant rainfall is in the future for this part of the country. Here is a look at the increasingly dry forecast for the East.

Will the Eastern U.S. Finally See Rain This Weekend?

A stubborn Omega blocking pattern in the atmosphere has mitigated the usual west-to-east storm pattern across the eastern U.S. This weather pattern will continue to limit the amount of rain that falls through the early part of the week in an area that is in need of a surge of moisture.

Forecasters are warning that the lack of moisture is raising the risk of wildfires across the parched landscape. Vegetation and lawns are drying out even further with each passing day of no rain.

A large zone of high pressure and dry air has been parked over the eastern half of the country since last weekend. The only exception to this dry pattern has been in Florida, a state that has been dodging persistent rounds of heavy rain over the last several days. The immediate coastal areas of the East saw a few spotty showers during the middle of the week as a storm churning out to sea inched closer to the coastline at times.

The forecast models are calling for the mass of dry air to spill farther to the south and into Florida beginning on Friday. This will bring back the sun to the Sunshine State heading into the weekend. Vacationers in Florida can also look forward to cooler temperatures and falling humidity levels.

While the region will be mostly dry, a slight disturbance in the jet stream could spur spotty rain showers and the threat of isolated storms to New England and parts of the mid-Atlantic. However, meteorologists caution that this will not be a major rain event. Rainfall totals are not expected to exceed 0.10 of an inch. Drier conditions will make a return as soon as this zone of light rain dissipates.

The Ohio Valley and to the south to the central Gulf Coast is predicted to remain dry and warm until at least Monday. The same story is in store for the Southeast.

Forecasters are watching the potential of a coastal storm coming to life in the days ahead. Should this weather maker remain offshore, the bulk of the eastern U.S. will stay dry through the end of next week.

The ongoing dry pattern has amplified the growing drought. These drought conditions help to explain why some of the trees in the Northeast and beyond are becoming stressed and shedding their leaves earlier than usual.

In addition to the stress put on lawns and vegetation in the eastern U.S., the lack of measurable rainfall is also amplifying the risk of wildfires in the week ahead. Fallen leaves will exacerbate this risk, as they are more likely to serve as tinder. Fire danger is expected to be the greatest in the zone from upstate New York and up into northern New England.

Local officials are warning residents to be aware of the high fire danger. It is always a good idea to exercise care when working with open flames and outdoor power equipment.