Dry air enters back in for a brief visit Heat and humidity will peak today ahead of an approaching cold front, with heat index values climbing above 90 degrees south of the mountains. The front will trigger scattered strong to possibly severe thunderstorms this afternoon. Behind the front, high pressure builds back in for Saturday, bringing seasonable temperatures and noticeably lower humidity. However, the high will quickly exit the region as the next system approaches on Sunday. This next cold front will slowly cross the area Monday night into Tuesday. Humidity levels comfortable for Saturday High pressure will settle in on Saturday as Friday’s cold front pushes farther south, resulting in a dry day across the region compared to what we have previously seen. While temperatures will only dip slightly, particularly in the south near the coast, it will feel more comfortable due to noticeably lower humidity, with dew points mainly in the 50s. Overall, clear skies and northerly flow will be present, making it a pleasant and seasonable summer day. A disturbance passes to the west on Sunday Shower and thunderstorm chances return on Sunday as high pressure shifts east ahead of an approaching upper-level shortwave. Model guidance currently favors southern and central New Hampshire, as well as southwestern Maine, as the areas most likely to see activity. Mountainous areas may also experience rain showers due to orographic lifting. This is the process where air is forced to rise over higher terrain, leading to cooling and condensation that can produce localized showers. Heat and humidity returns to start the week Shortwave ridging will build in on Monday, promoting subsidence and supporting a mostly dry forecast. However, heat and humidity will make a noticeable return, with 850mb temperatures supporting highs in the upper 80s to lower 90s. Dew points will be high enough to push index values into the mid-90s, specifically in southwest areas, making for a hot and uncomfortable day. High dew points will also be present on Tuesday, continuing the hot and uncomfortable trend. Unsettled period Tuesday into Wednesday Monday 8 PM (00z Tuesday) to Thursday 2 AM (06z) - A cold front is expected to move into the region on Monday night, bringing a chance of showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms, primarily across the northern areas. Shower and thunderstorm chances will increase further on Tuesday and Tuesday night as the front slowly progresses through the area. However, there is still some uncertainty regarding its timing, which will impact Wednesday’s forecast. A faster frontal passage could lead to decreasing precipitation chances and cooler conditions by Wednesday. On the other hand, a slower progression, or a possible stall, would keep warm and unsettled conditions in place along with lingering chances for showers and thunderstorms. Stay tuned for updates! Our next update on the website is planned for Sunday afternoon. Temperature outlook through Thursday Today's update prepared by Penn State graduate |
Mike Haggett
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