Heavy rain to soak Southeast, mid-Atlantic as Northeast dries out this weekend
Repeated rounds of heavy rain will increase the risk of flash flooding across the Southeast and mid-Atlantic this weekend, while much of the Northeast dries out after last weekend's nor'easter.
Rain is set to return to the Northeast for the first weekend of October, but for a few days before then, conditions will be great for flooding cleanup.
A surge of tropical moisture is expected to bring a rounds of drenching thunderstorms across much of the Southeast and mid-Atlantic this weekend, creating flooding threats.
Recent hurricanes in the Pacific have already brought a prolonged flooding threat to the Southwest and Plains this week, prompting evacuations and water rescues.
The setup will begin Thursday evening as heavy rain is expected to start across eastern Texas, including Dallas. By the weekend, repeated rounds of heavy rain and thunderstorms will overspread areas as far north as the Delmarva Peninsula. A widespread 1-3 inches of rain is expected, with locally higher amounts possible where thunderstorms repeatedly track over the same areas. Localized flash flooding can occur in low-lying, poor drainage and urban areas, as well as locations that have recently received heavy rainfall.
Farther north, including along the Interstate 95 corridor in the Northeast, the forecast has trended drier following last weekends drenching nor'easter. A quick-moving cold front is expected to usher much drier Canadian air into the region for the weekend.
As this front moves through the region on Friday, rain and a few thunderstorms will overspread the area and could disrupt the evening commute. Widespread heavy rainfall is not expected. In cities like Philadelphia and New York City, the front may hold off long enough for summerlike warmth to surge north, sending high temperatures into the 80s.
Tropical moisture is expected to advance farther north from late Saturday afternoon into Sunday, reaching parts of the mid-Atlantic. However, dry Canadian air advancing south should keep most of the rain south of the Interstate 70 corridor, where locally heavy rainfall can occur.
For much of the Northeast, this weekend looks favorable for outdoor fall activities, with mostly dry conditions, comfortable temperatures and a mix of clouds and sunshine, a welcome change from last weekend's nor'easter.
With October quickly approaching, fall foliage is becoming more noticeable.
“Peak color is expected in the Adirondacks and the Green and White mountains this weekend, and the weather should not disappoint. Farther south, the color change has been much more patchy so far, which is normal for this time of year,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson said.
Much cooler conditions next week are expected to accelerate the color change, with chilly overnight lows and high temperatures slightly below the historical average.
"These weather conditions will also accelerate the color change farther south, with excellent viewing conditions into the Berkshires, Catskills, Poconos and even as far south as the West Virginia mountains," Anderson added.
Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts™ are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
Report a Typo