Northeast Dries Out This Weekend as Southeast Flood Risk Continues

An influx of tropical moisture will fuel the development of heavy rain and the potential for flooding for the Southeast and the mid-Atlantic this weekend. Meanwhile, the Northeast will dry out and enjoy a break from the repeated rounds of rain. Here is a look at what you can expect for the back half of the work week and the weekend across the eastern third of the country.

Tropical Moisture Surge Will Support Heavy Rain Across the Southeast and Beyond

Several waves of persistent moisture will spread over the Southeast and mid-Atlantic in the coming days, raising the risk of flash flooding and other disruptions. It has already been a busy week of severe weather across the U.S., with a prolonged flooding threat still in place over the Southwest and the Plains.

Thursday's forecast is calling for heavy rain to set up in the evening hours across much of eastern Texas, including the Dallas and Fort Worth metroplex. This line of precipitation will push to the east and north by the weekend, creeping as far as the Delmarva Peninsula.

Widespread rain totals of 1 to 3 inches are in store for a large swath of the southern and eastern U.S. Localized flash flooding is possible in areas where storms track over the same area, as well as in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Communities that have recently picked up rain will also be more vulnerable to flooding concerns.

While the Northeast is likely to dodge this latest weather maker, a cold front coming down from Canada will bring down temperatures by the weekend. The frontal boundary is expected to arrive at the Interstate 95 corridor beginning Friday, increasing the chance of isolated rain showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures in the 80s in places such as New York City and Philadelphia will start to slide once the cooler air from Canada becomes more entrenched.

The tropical moisture swirling over the Southeast will push to the north and into the mid-Atlantic beginning late Saturday. The mass of dry and cool Canadian air anchored to the north is expected to keep most of the rain south of Interstate 70.

Northeast in Store for a Pleasant Weekend for Outdoor Activities

After dealing with the first nor'easter of the season last weekend, the Northeast should enjoy mostly favorable weather for outdoor activities this Saturday and Sunday. In addition to dry conditions, temperatures will hover at about normal levels for the first weekend of October.

This is shaping up to be a good weekend to check out the fall foliage that is starting to pop in areas to the north. The high terrains of the Adirondacks and the Green and White Mountains are forecast to see peak color this weekend, making it an ideal time for that road trip.

Warmer temperatures to the south have kept the foliage mostly green. However, that will all start to change in the days and weeks ahead as much cooler conditions speed up the color change. Overnight lows and daily highs are forecast to land slightly below average next week in the Northeast, giving the color change a nudge across the Catskills, the Berkshires, and the Poconos.

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