Pleasant weather, warming trend expected this week
The return of high latitude blocking (or above normal height anomalies over the higher latitudes from Greenland into Canada and the North Atlantic) has slowed the progress of spring, or at least the warmth which typically comes with it over much of the Northeast United States. While much of the Western, Southern and Central United States have already experienced widespread warmth with several days over 80 degrees, persistent troughiness and meandering upper level lows have meant cooler than normal temperatures and frequent cold fronts in the Northeast. A change is in order during this week, but will occur over the span of a few days as a warm front slowly pushes northward.
Initial conditions on Monday will be pleasant, but again dry and breezy. The National Weather Service warns of enhanced fire danger once again. The low humidity values and stiff breeze will allow for rapid spread of any fire after ignition. As recently as last week, Red Flag Warnings were issued throughout the area and several brush fires spread rapidly in parts of New Jersey. Other than the fire danger, Monday looks quite pleasant with high temperatures well into the 60’s and plenty of sun — with no chance of showers or thunderstorms during the afternoon as was the case this weekend.