April 10, 2013 Brief Update

Wednesday, April 10 Observations:

Following the record heat on April 9, the frontal boundary shifted south into the area, resulting in a significant temperature contrast over the area. Southwestern locations towards central and northern NJ again reached the upper 70s to mid 80s, with Somerville, NJ peaking at 85 degrees, even warmer than the previous day. Connecticut and Long Island, however, were significantly colder, with Long Island reaching the upper 60s to low 70s and southern Connecticut the mid to upper 60s.

Thunderstorms from a severe weather outbreak in the northern Ohio Valley tracked into the region by the late afternoon and evening hours, producing severe thunderstorms over parts of Pennsylvania. These storms weakened below severe levels as they entered the more stable air mass over the area, resulting in brief heavy rain, although there was a strong wind report in Suffolk county.


Forecast Overview:

As the radar to the left shows, severe thunderstorms are currently tracking southeast through Pennsylvania. As the frontal boundary has now shifted south of NYC, thunderstorms are not expected for the rest of tonight into Thursday and Friday. Mainly cloudy skies are expected on Thursday with scattered showers and highs in the mid 50s to low 60s across the area, along with light E/ENE winds.

The low pressure in the central US will affect the region on Friday, but with the frontal boundary remaining south of the area, the low will track south of the area, with periods of heavy rain expected mainly before the late afternoon hours, generally near or over 3/4 inch for most of the area. Highs are likely to peak in the 50s to possibly upper 40s north and east of NYC, and in the mid 50s to low 60s west and south of NYC.

The cold front will clear the area on Friday night, with partly to mostly sunny skies for the weekend and highs in the mid to upper 50s across most of the area, perhaps reaching the low 60s near the immediate NYC area. Cold temperatures are expected overnight falling into the mid to upper 30s for most of the area outside of NYC, expected to fall into the low 40s, with Sunday slightly cooler than Saturday, peaking in the mid 50s. Temperatures are expected to warm back into the 60s and possibly the low 70s next week as ridging builds into the East, but with a sustained warm pattern unlikely at this time with rain possible towards the middle of next week.