NEW YORK — After a fall marked by dry weather and wildfire battles in the Northeast, fire weather warnings once again blanket the region this week, but the long-range forecast holds promise for some relief.
A major storm system that brings disparate weather to the Midwest, Plains, and Great Lakes appears to be having some impact on the Northeast this week. That's heavy rain.
The storm appears to be reaching the Great Lakes region later in the week and gaining energy again, just in time to unleash some of its newfound strength as it heads toward the Northeast into the weekend.
Current long-range forecasts indicate a cold front associated with this system will likely bring rain and possibly thunderstorms to the Northeast.
This rain appeared to be heavier than the drizzle that fell in the area last weekend, and while it did help a little, it generally amounted to less than a half-inch, and in some cases only a few tenths of an inch.
New York City hasn't had a quarter inch of rain in a day since September 29th, while continuous rain in Philadelphia continues through September 7th.
While that amount of rain alone would do little to end drought conditions – it would take about 10 inches or so to fall – it would greatly reduce the threat of wildfires by wetting the area's plants and soil. .
The front will bring a chilly autumn weather and may bring some light snow to inland areas of the Northeast.
