Persistent chill to reign over northeastern US into mid-May

Air more typical of late March will chill the northeastern United States into mid-May.

The storm system responsible for rain and thunderstorms to end the week will stall across the region and open the door for chilly air from Canada to dive southward and stick around for several days.

Highs will range from 15 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit below normal for several days.

“After several days of highs in the 70s and 80s across the interior Northeast during April, some locations will fail to reach reach 50 for three or four straight days during early May,” AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Elliot Abrams said.

Some may need to dig out sweatshirts, jeans and heavier jackets when heading out for any evening activities or sporting events. Many will also turn on heat in their homes.

Brisk winds on some days will lead to AccuWeather RealFeel® temperatures 5 and 10 degrees lower than the actual air temperature.

Low temperatures on most nights will dip into the 30s across much of the Northeast and even as far south as northern North Carolina. However, a thick cloud cover will likely prevent the development of a widespread frost.

“Any locations that clear out during the overnight hours will be at greatest risk for a frost or freeze,” Abrams said.

As a precaution, be sure to cover any sensitive plants or vegetation that need to remain outdoors.

Low temperatures will fall below freezing on most nights in the higher elevations. Lows in Boston, New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., will only fall to near 40.

Rain showers, and perhaps some snow showers, will accompany the chill across the higher elevations.

“Some light accumulation of snow is possible across the higher elevations of the interior Northeast on Sunday night,” AccuWeather Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok said.

Those hoping for the return of springlike and even summerlike weather may have to wait a few weeks.

“This Northeast chill may not be completely done until late in May,” Pastelok said.

Report a Typo