The National Weather Service expects a strong frontal system to bring rain beginning late Thursday, Oct. 15, into Friday, Oct. 16, followed by gusty winds and some of the coldest air of the fall. The change could also include thunderstorms.
First comes another burst of warmth. Central Pennsylvania could reach around 75 to 80 degrees Tuesday, Oct. 13, with some spots climbing higher. Parts of Maryland and Virginia could reach the 80s through Wednesday, Oct. 14, according to the Weather Service’s State College and Baltimore/Washington offices.
Wednesday’s warmth could also reach the upper 70s across the Connecticut Valley and southeastern Massachusetts.
An initial front will bring cooler conditions Thursday before the stronger system arrives. Around New York City, northeastern New Jersey, and southern Connecticut, the Weather Service anticipates roughly 0.5 to 1 inch of rain, though amounts remain uncertain.
Rain could linger into early Saturday, Oct. 17, across southern New England. Inland highs may struggle to reach the low 50s, with northwest gusts potentially reaching 45 mph, according to the Weather Service’s Boston office.
AccuWeather’s cooldown map places much of the Northeast 5 to 15 degrees below historical averages Friday into Saturday. Its accompanying forecast highlights another consequence for fall foliage.
“Winds can gust upwards of 35-45 mph later this week into the weekend, perhaps even higher gusts across the elevated terrain,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Tyler Roys said. “These blustery winds will impact leaf-peepers as it will lead to more leaves falling down.”
The cold could bring frost or freezing temperatures to inland communities by Sunday, Oct. 18. The Weather Service forecasts readings below 30 degrees in parts of northern Pennsylvania and the Laurel Highlands, with freezing conditions also possible across interior southern New England.
Higher elevations in Pennsylvania could see rain mix with snow Friday night into Saturday. Any accumulation is expected to favor grassy surfaces rather than roads.
“Any snow that falls won’t amount to much and will only fall at the highest elevations this weekend," said AccuWeather expert meteorologist Peyton Simmers. "Mountain cabins and lakes in New York and northern Vermont could get snowflakes that can coat the grass."
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