Posts

John Homenuk

Heavy rain, thunderstorms transition into crisp weekend

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Southwesterly winds have ushered in a warmer, more humid airmass this Friday morning. Temperatures are running in the mid 60’s throughout the area with low clouds and fog in the valleys and even some of the higher elevations of Northern NJ and Southeast NY. The southwesterly flow will continue to build into Friday afternoon, ahead of an approaching cold front. The warmer, more humid air will lead to increasing atmospheric instability by later this afternoon.

This instability, expanding from Southeast Pennsylvania into New York, will briefly align with favorable atmospheric shear parameters as a cold front approaches from the west this afternoon. In this area, a few strong to severe thunderstorms are likely moving from west to east through New Jersey, Southeast New York, Connecticut and potentially the NYC Metro Area.

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John Homenuk

Draconid meteor shower peaks tonight, storms tomorrow

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While the focus usually remains set on the “bigger” meteor showers of the year (see: Perseids), the Draconid meteor shower is drawing some additional attention this season, mostly due to the anticipated favorable weather conditions. The annual meteor shower produces, on average, between 10 and 20 meteors per hour during its peak intensity. The peak of the shower occurs from tonight, October 8th, through Friday morning, October 9th.

Weather conditions are expected to be favorable for viewing — at least for the first several hours. While a frontal system will be approaching late, the peak of the meteor shower actually occurs during nightfall and the early evening hours. This is somewhat atypical, as most meteor showers feature pre-dawn peaks, making viewing less ideal for those who can’t set the alarms for 3:00am. Tonight, the timing and weather conditions look good, so we suggest heading outside and away from the city lights if you have some time.

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John Homenuk

PM Update: Nicer Friday, but unsettled weekend expected

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After a “dud” of a day on Thursday, things are at least looking partially “up” for the weekend. Temperatures on Thursday throughout most of the area barely escaped the 60’s and 70’s, with low clouds and drizzle remaining commonplace during the day. A cool, marine flow can be thanked for that. Much of the same is expected through the first half of the evening on Thursday as well, although some increase in humidity should be notable.

By Friday morning, things will start to change for the better. Temperatures will rebound into the 80’s during the day on Friday, with partly cloudy skies anticipated. The marine layer from Thursday will be scoured out of the area, allowing for sunshine to return. The big game changer? Winds turn westerly during the morning — a big difference from Thursday, when they were coming out of the south and east, off the cool area waters.

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John Homenuk

Showers, thunderstorms likely early this week

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UPDATE 4:00PM: Tornado Watch is now in effect from Eastern PA into Western NJ through 10:00pm. Strong thunderstorms capable of producing strong winds and isolated tornadoes are possible through this evening in these locations. Stay weather aware and have a plan in place in the case that warnings are issued.

A Tornado Watch means that thunderstorms are possible, and some may be capable of producing tornadoes. While not immediately expected, tornadoes are possible during the watch time and in and around the watch area. Be sure to stay weather aware during the watch time period.

These thunderstorms are expected to move east tonight, but weaken as they head toward Eastern NJ and NYC.

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