Northeast Dry Spell Snaps as Midweek Storm Threatens Commutes and Flash Flooding

After weeks of predominantly dry weather, rain is set to return to the Northeast starting Wednesday night into Thursday, bringing the risk of slippery roads, travel disruptions and localized flooding. Cities including Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Scranton, Albany and New York City could see their first noteworthy rainfall since the middle of October.

“After weeks of dry weather, people across the Northeast may be caught off guard by how quickly conditions can change. It doesn’t take widespread flooding to create serious travel problems. A short period of heavy rain, combined with slippery roads and leaf-clogged storm drains, can cause significant disruptions in a matter of minutes,” said AccuWeather expert meteorologist Alyssa Glenny.

A persistent area of high pressure has kept much of the Northeast dry and relatively calm for the past couple of weeks. That pattern is expected to change as a storm moves eastward, introducing rain across the region.

Dry conditions are expected to hold through much of Wednesday along the mid-Atlantic coast and across New England before rain arrives. Atlantic moisture could fuel heavier downpours as the storm and its trailing cold front move through.

Key Weather Impacts

• Travel disruptions: Rain arriving Wednesday night could create slick roads and hazardous travel conditions, with wet leaves and heavier downpours potentially causing additional delays during Thursday’s morning and evening commutes
• Flash flood threat: Fallen leaves clogging storm drains could contribute to street flooding, particularly during heavier rainfall. The potential for heavy rain will focus across portions of eastern Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, southern New York and Long Island through New England to Maine.
• Gusty winds: Winds accompanying the storm could create additional travel challenges
• Cooler temperatures: A noticeable cooldown will follow the storm, with temperatures returning closer to typical early November levels heading into the weekend

The change will be especially noticeable in some cities. New York City could see temperatures fall from the low 70s at midweek to the low 60s Friday, while Detroit could drop from the mid-70s Tuesday to the low 50s Friday and Saturday.