Aug 5, 2012: Strong Storms Tonight

Sunday, August 5 Observations:

A cold front approached the area, with the peak of the warm and very humid air mass taking place. Hot temperatures were observed again, peaking in the lower to mid 90s in the immediate NYC area and the mid to upper 80s across the rest of the area, although humid conditions were observed, with dew points as high as the mid 70s while temperatures were in the upper 80s and lower 90s. Dew points slightly cooled afterwards, but heat index values still reached the upper 90s to 100 degrees in the immediate NYC area.

Evening storms affected the area as a line of strong to severe thunderstorms moved through eastern PA and into New Jersey. The line affected NW NJ and SE NY with heavy rain and strong winds, although storms especially focused over east central NJ extending north towards NYC, as well as SW CT, with wind damage and power outages observed with the stronger storms. The line was weaker over parts of NE NJ and northwestern Long Island, where lighter rain amounts and weaker storms were observed, with rain totals near or less than 1/4 inch.


Tonight: Storms, Some Strong

The regional radar as of 4:40 PM posted to the left shows a line of strong to severe thunderstorms over eastern Pennsylvania, moving towards NJ and the area. The line is expected to make it into the western half of the area within the next 1-2 hours, producing strong winds and localized flash flooding with rain above 1-2" in some areas. Afterwards, the line may slightly weaken as it moves into NYC and the eastern parts of the area, but will still be capable of producing localized heavy rain and flash flooding. Scattered storms are expected to continue into the early-mid overnight hours before ending by the early morning.



Forecast Overview:

Drier conditions will return into the region with partly sunny skies on Monday and mostly sunny for Tuesday and Wednesday. Temperatures will remain warm, in the mid to upper 80s across most of the area, slightly cooler further east. A cutoff low pressure will move into the Great Lakes and the western Northeast on Friday, with scattered storms possible for Thursday and widespread thunderstorms, possibly heavy and/or strong, expected for Friday. Drier conditions are likely especially towards the second half of next weekend and into early next week with temperatures likely peaking in the upper 70s to mid 80s range.