Weekend Forecast: Glorious Autumn weather with no smoke

A cold front will sweep through the region this evening, ushering in some of the coolest air of the season. Dew points will fall into the 20’s and 30’s, with high temperatures only reaching the 60’s on Saturday. A northerly breeze will keep the air feeling crisp and cool. The front will also wipe away wildfire smoke, which has been lingering over the area since Tuesday.

NYC QuickCast

This afternoon: Warm and breezy, becoming increasingly cool towards evening. Temperatures in the upper 60’s and low 70’s

Tonight: Cool, breezy and clear. Low temperatures dropping all the way into the 40’s!

Saturday: Much cooler with a distinct Autumn chill in the air. Highs in the lower to middle 60’s.

Forecast Discussion: Autumn chill is here, but it will be temporary

Anomalously cool air will settle in to the area this weekend, as high pressure builds southward from Canada. This airmass will be cool, dry, and pleasant – one of the first of the season so far. Temperatures will average several degrees below normal over the next few days.

By the middle of next week, however, forecast model guidance is in good agreement that temperatures will begin to warm up again. A large ridge in the atmosphere, which has been lingering over the Central US, will begin to move towards the area. This will kick the cool and dry air out, and allow winds to shift to a warmer, more southerly direction.

By the middle to latter part of next week, temperatures will trend above normal. The humidity will return, too, with most guidance in agreement that moisture will trend above normal. These fluctuations in airmasses are quite common during the months of September and October.