The clock is counting down on the very high temperatures stretching from the Midwest to the Northeast. As the heat dome weakens in the latter part of this week, thunderstorms are expected to develop in regions where humidity levels remain high, according to meteorologists at AccuWeather. In some areas of the Northeast, a significant cooling down is anticipated.
Many people recently wished for relief from persistent rain and unusually cool conditions, and their wish was granted with clear skies and intense summer heat. Now, millions are hoping for relief from the sudden spike in extreme heat and scorching sunshine, or at least a respite from the extreme temperatures.
Temperatures are expected to decrease as showers and thunderstorms make a return. Areas that saw temperatures approaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit earlier in the week may experience highs closer to 90 later on, with some places expecting temperatures in the 80s. By the end of the week, highs in the 80s will be more common, with some areas even seeing highs in the 70s.
A rare cool front is projected to move southward from New England to parts of the mid-Atlantic region later this week, significantly reducing temperatures by 20-40 degrees in some cases. For instance, in Boston, following temperatures near 100 degrees on Tuesday, highs may not exceed the 60s on Thursday and Friday after the front passes. A similar scenario is expected in New York City, with highs around 100 degrees on Tuesday giving way to highs in the 70s on Thursday and Friday.
As the heat dome weakens, thunderstorms are expected to become more prevalent across the central and eastern United States. In the Southeast, a shift in the jet stream is likely to result in daily showers and thunderstorms in some areas. The perimeter of the heat dome will contract from the north and west, leading to increased cloud cover and more frequent shower and thunderstorm activity in fringe zones.
Overall, the weakening heat dome should bring relief to areas that have been consistently hit by storms, though the risk of flash flooding with summertime thunderstorms cannot be ruled out. Subscribe to AccuWeather Premium+ for advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts provided by expert meteorologists for enhanced safety and an ad-free experience.
