Forecast: Warming temperatures, in and out of sun

NAM model showing high temperatures in the lower to middle 50’s on Friday (colder inland), a welcomed sight after weeks of below normal temperatures and snow in March. 

Colder than normal weather has dominated a great majority of March, with a few chances of snowfall and even one coming after the end of the calendar Winter. However, temperatures have warmed slightly over the past few days — and it feels extra welcome given the below normal weeks behind us. The past few days have featured morning and afternoon sun, but an upper level low aloft has allowed for instability to develop during the afternoon bringing the chances of clouds and showers. Many areas experienced graupel and snow pellets, owing to the cold pool aloft (see the post below) on Monday and Tuesday. Thursday featured much of the same, with morning sun giving way to afternoon clouds as one final disturbance aloft moves through from the north. Showers should be more limited, but clouds will be present for much of the afternoon especially on the shore and east of the city on Long Island.

The forecast takes a more pleasant turn for Friday and Saturday, with temperatures warming up into the middle 50’s for highs and less clouds during the afternoon hours. Easter will feature the potential for showers in the afternoon and evening, despite a pleasant start to the day. Warm temperatures (possibly upper 50’s for highs) during the early afternoon will gave way to the aforementioned showers, which will come ahead of another disturbance which is expected to approach the area by early next week. We’ll keep an eye on the hour-by-hour Easter forecast as we move forward. For now, check out your quick forecast below.

Rest of Today (Thursday): Mostly cloudy with highs in the low 50’s. A slight chance of showers. Northwest wind around 10 miles per hour.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, becoming partly cloudy, with a low in the mid 30’s. Northwest winds around 10 miles per hour.

Friday: Partly sunny, with highs in the mid 50’s. Northwest wind around 10 miles per hour.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high in the mid 50’s. Feeling warmer with less clouds.

Sunday: Sun early, and warmer with highs in the mid to upper 50’s. Increasing clouds by afternoon with showers becoming likely.