Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Top Six Memorial Day Destinations: Which Hotspot Has the Ideal Forecast?

By Kevin Byrne, AccuWeather.com Staff Writer
May 20,2015; 10:57PM,EDT
 
 
The summer season kicks off unofficially this weekend, and millions of Americans are expected to travel for a Memorial Day getaway. During the holiday weekend, AAA projects that 37.2 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles from their home, the highest travel volume expected since 2005.
Whether it's hitting the beach, attending parades, getting out the grill or countless other activities, many will be checking the forecast to see that their long-awaited weekend plans go off without a hitch.
Here are forecasts for six Memorial Day weekend destinations.
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Cape Cod
Cape Cod: houses by the sea (mamahoohooba/iStock/Thinkstock)
After an unrelenting winter that delivered a barrage of snowstorms, many New Englanders have likely been counting down the days for summer to arrive.
For those visiting Cape Cod National Seashore, the weather is expected to cooperate, providing opportunities to take a lighthouse tour or attend the town of Barnstable's Memorial Day parade or the annual Figawi Regatta.
Mother Nature will deliver pleasant weekend weather from Boston through Cape Cod, according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Jordan Root.
Dry conditions and sunny skies will win out for much of the holiday weekend, with temperatures in the low 60s on Saturday and highs near 70 on Sunday and Monday. However, Root said he is concerned that there could be a chance for rain or thunderstorms on Monday.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Aerial view of Myrtle Beach, S.C. (Stockbyte/Thinkstock)
Myrtle Beach is always a popular destination and this year, thanks to a harsh winter, one real estate agency reported a substantial increase in bookings for May 2015 compared to May 2014.
Myrtle Beach is ranked third on AAA's list of Top 10 Memorial Day travel destinations based on hotel bookings.
High pressure will be in control, leading to plenty of sunshine and pleasant conditions in Myrtle Beach, Root said.
Root added that the weather looks "gorgeous," and temperatures will hover near 80 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the weekend, which is right around normal.
South Florida
Downtown Fort Lauderdale (AliquisNJ/iStock/Thinkstock)
Coming in fourth on AAA's Top 10 list is Fort Lauderdale, with Miami seventh and it's easy to see why, as both cities offer plenty of opportunities to relax in the sun and sand.
Baseball fans can head to Marlins Park in Miami Friday through Sunday to watch the Marlins battle the Baltimore Orioles. However, weather won't likely be a factor as the stadium features a retractable roof.
Typical Florida weather conditions are anticipated for the weekend, Root said, adding that an easterly flow will push showers and thunderstorms eastward across the state through the holiday.
It's not going to be a complete washout, according to Root, and temperatures will be in the upper 80s, right around normal for this time of year.
Washington, D.C.
The United States Capitol Building, Washington, D.C. (FrozenShutter/iStock/Thinkstock)
There is no shortage of ways to celebrate Memorial Day in Washington, D.C. From strolling through the monuments and memorials honoring our nation's history and military members to enjoying a concert on Memorial Day eve at the Capitol, there is plenty to experience.
As with much of the East Coast, high pressure will bring favorable weather conditions to our nation's capital, Root said.
Temperatures will begin the weekend in the upper 70s, but by Memorial Day, highs will settle in the mid-80s to go along with sunny skies.
San Diego
Downtown San Diego, Calif., and palm trees. (dancestrokes/iStock/Thinkstock)
Visitors taking in the long weekend in San Diego will have ideal weather conditions to enjoy widespread activities such as the world-famous San Diego Zoo, a cruise in the harbor or touring the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum.
Those planning a picnic or barbecue can enjoy normal temperatures with highs in the upper 60s, Root said. While there will be some cloud coverage over the weekend, it will stay dry, Root added.
Chicago
Cityscape of Chicago. (SergiyN/iStock/Thinkstock)
While inclement weather could disrupt holiday festivities around Chicago, the weekend will get off to a good start for the city's Memorial Day parade on Saturday. It will also be the best opportunity to stroll through Millennium Park or take in fireworks at Navy Pier.
While Saturday will be dry and sunny, a storm system will push across the Plains and into the Great Lakes region, bringing heavy rain and thunderstorms Sunday through Monday, Root said.
The wet weather could force delays or postponements of the White Sox game against the Twins on Sunday and the Cubs match-up against the Nationals on Monday.
Temperatures will approach 70 F over the weekend, close to the average of 73 F, Root said.

Have questions, comments, or a story to share? Email Kevin Byrne at Kevin.Byrne@accuweather.com, follow him on Twitter at @Accu_Kevin. Follow us @breakingweather, or on Facebook and Google+.

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