Crisp autumn weekend unfolds in eastern US away from nor’easter
Cooler nights and lower humidity will sweep from the Great Lakes to Florida, favoring football, fall festivals and leaf-peeping this weekend away from the Northeast's coastal storm.
Two astronomy events will occur this week. The first is the equinox on Sept. 22, marking the start of astronomical fall in the Northern Hemisphere. Shortly after, the Harvest Moon rises on Sept. 26.
Dry weather with cool air and lower humidity will favor football games, autumn festivals, family outings and early-season leaf-peeping across a broad area of the eastern United States this weekend, away from the significant September nor'easter.
"The same nor'easter bringing high winds, coastal flooding and areas of rain into Sunday in the coastal Northeast will pull a wedge of dry and cool air southward from Canada to Florida for a time into next week," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson said.
Cooler, less humid air will spread from the Great Lakes, much of the Ohio Valley and the central Appalachians to most of the Southeast. For many in the Southeast, the change will offer a refreshing break from months of heat and high humidity.
Days will remain warm across the Southeast, with highs mainly in the 80s, but the air will feel less humid as dew points fall into the 40s and 50s across inland areas.
Even Florida will have dew points in the 50s and 60s this weekend. Dew point measures moisture in the air; lower readings mean less humid conditions that help perspiration evaporate more easily. People sensitive to cooler weather may want a light jacket for evening outings.
Many areas will experience their coolest nights since May or June. "The last time temperatures dipped into the 60s in Tampa was on May 6," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dave Houk said.
Last weekend, high temperatures hovered near the 100-degree Fahrenheit mark around Nashville, with high humidity. This weekend will bring highs within a few degrees of 80 and much lower humidity levels.
In southwestern Pennsylvania, some communities could have frost. "Farther north, a bit of frost will be possible in some of the normally cold spots of the Laurel Highlands," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Bill Deger added. "Temperatures will drop into the 30s over rural areas of the Northeast at night."
Fog will form late at night in some valleys, especially near rivers and lakes, and linger for a couple of hours after sunrise. Reduced visibility could slow early-morning travel, so commuters and fans driving to football games should allow extra time.
Fall foliage report
As September winds down, fall colors are spreading across the northern Midwest and Northeast.
Parts of northern New York, Vermont and New Hampshire should have favorable weather for leaf-peeping, although cool breezes and clouds spreading westward from the coastal storm could limit sunshine. The northern Great Lakes region can expect abundant sunshine and light winds.
Cool nights without frost can speed up the process in the leaves of trees that causes foliage to change colors. With several chilly nights ahead, forests may become more vibrant with yellow, red and orange leaves.
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