Michael may fuel tropical downpours in northeastern US late this week
Michael may contribute to another round of tropical downpours across the rain-weary northeastern United States later this week before more typical autumn weather finally takes hold.
While cooler air sent temperatures back below normal across New England on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday will feel nothing like typical October days throughout the Northeast.
Warmth will once again dominate with highs in the 70s and 80s anticipated. Such highs are 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit above normal. Humidity will further make these days feel more like late summer.
There are signs of a cooler weather pattern unfolding by the upcoming weekend but not before more rain invades the region.
"As tropical moisture spreads northward along the Eastern Seaboard, it will produce pockets of rain which can include flooding downpours later this week," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Carl Babinski.
Whether the Northeast will face a localized or widespread flood threat will hinge on two main factors—the speed of a press of cooler and drier air into the region and the track of Michael, which has become a hurricane and is forecast to make landfall over the Florida Panhandle at midweek.
In the most likely scenario, flash flooding may be more localized provided Michael remains in the South and the the cool press continues at a steady pace through the Northeast. In this scenario, a period of torrential rain and gusty winds may affect parts of Virginia and perhaps part of the Delmarva Peninsula spanning Thursday night to Friday.
If Michael tracks farther to the north and the cool press is delayed, then heavy rain may spread into the central Appalachians, the mid-Atlantic and perhaps even into southern New England. In this scenario, the flood threat may substantially increase and become more widespread in the Northeast.
Soggy soils combined with swollen streams and small rivers have made the mid-Atlantic and southern New England more susceptible to flooding.
Download the free AccuWeather app to stay aware of any flooding dangers in your community.
Even in the absence of flooding, heavy rain can lead to travel delays and hazards. Downpours can reduce visibility for motorists and heighten the risk of vehicles hydroplaning.
Construction projects, outdoor activities and sporting events could be disrupted. Depending on the timing of the rain reaching Boston, Game 5 (if it is necessary) of baseball’s American League Division Series between the Red Sox and the New York Yankees could be affected on Thursday evening.
The hopes of farmers seeing fields dry enough to complete harvests will be dashed with this round of rain.
The rain will help to ease the ongoing drought across northern New England. Motorists across these areas, however, will have to remain alert for slick spots where leaves have fallen on roads.
Those tired of the extended summer weather can look forward to what Mother Nature has to offer in the wake of the downpours.
"While it will feel more like early or mid-September rather than October much of the week, a strong cool front will be following on the heels of the heavy rain," Babinski said. "So by the upcoming weekend, it will feel a lot more like fall in the Northeast."
Highs may return to the 50s and lower 60s in many communities. Even cooler air may arrive early in the following week.
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