As Americans gear up to mark their last significant weekend of summer, many countries enjoy their celebrations without worrying about the weather. Yet, it seems Mother Nature has different ideas, particularly affecting the Plains and Gulf Coasts.
While some areas remain dry, much of the US is expected to experience cooler than average temperatures, which could stick around until at least Labor Day.
Saturday: Sunshine State Faces Wet Weather
So, let’s get straight to the not-so-great news. Rain is likely to affect Florida, the Southern Plains, and the Northern Plains over Saturday and Sunday.
A potential thunderstorm in Florida could dampen beach plans for some, but those who wake up early might still enjoy some time in the sun. Beaches, especially along the Atlantic, could see a good deal of rain—up to 2-3 inches near Miami and Fort Lauderdale by the end of the weekend.
At the same time, a low-pressure system is slowly moving from the Rockies to the Plains. The Fox Prediction Center mentions that if conditions warm up enough, we might see storms developing in the afternoon, which could lead to increased flood risks. Rainfall rates could reach 1-2 inches per hour, placing South Dakota, Nebraska, and Kansas under a level 2/4 flash flood risk.
Saturday is expected to be the busiest travel day for the holiday weekend.
AAA noted that afternoons and evenings during holiday weekends are generally the worst times to drive due to heavy traffic. They anticipate Saturday will be particularly busy as many people hit the road for day trips.
On a brighter note, the West and Great Lakes regions are enjoying warm, dry conditions.
Sunday: Clear Skies Over the Mid-Atlantic
In the Mid-Atlantic, the Fox Prediction Center has highlighted Ocean City, Maryland, as a standout destination this weekend. With pleasant temperatures in the high 70s and little chance of rain, it’s shaping up to be a perfect beach getaway as summer wraps up.
However, Hilton Head in South Carolina anticipates significant rain Sunday and on Labor Day. Meanwhile, the southwestern states could see persistent rain throughout the week.
NOAA’s weather forecasting center has identified the central US as at risk for flash floods due to the ongoing weather patterns. Rain and storms should continue into Monday, heightening flash flood potential in those areas.
In contrast, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected in parts of Texas and New Mexico, but severe weather doesn’t appear likely. Notably, NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center hasn’t flagged any significant threats of severe weather for the weekend.
Labor Day: A Cool End for Many, Warm on the West Coast
Labor Day Monday looks generally quiet across the country, with mild weather in the Northeast and much of the West Coast. The eastern US is feeling the chill from Canada, with temperatures running about 10-15 degrees below average.
Texas and parts of the Southwest could see the return of scattered showers across the plains and Mississippi Valley, although nothing severe is anticipated.
The West Coast will remain warm, with temperatures in the 90s promised from the Intermountain West to Southern California.
As for tropical activity, hurricane expert Brian Norlos from Fox Weather indicates that conditions are currently unfavorable for significant development. He suggests that any major developments are unlikely until at least the second week or mid-September.
