Northeast to Dry Out for Longest Stretch This Summer

By Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist

July 21,2015; 11:07PM,EDT

 

 

Frequent rain in June and July has resulted in travel delays and hampered outdoor activities in the Northeast, and for those yearning for multiple days of sunshine, no rain and no oppressive humidity the upcoming forecast will be a delight.
While the number of hot, humid days has been rather limited this summer, there have not been long stretches of rain-free weather combined with sunshine and seasonable temperatures in the northeastern quarter of the nation.
Since June 1, most areas from the Ohio Valley and Great Lakes to the mid-Atlantic and New England coasts have had rainfall on at least 25 of the last 50 days.
The pattern coming up Wednesday through Saturday will break that mold for many areas from the upper Ohio Valley and central Great Lakes to the mid-Atlantic and much of New England.

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According to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Mark Mancuso, "A refreshing change is in store for millions of people following the sweltering conditions of late."

The weather will be ideal for outdoor painting, paving and concrete projects, as well as drier conditions for the beach, fishing, ballgames and a visit to the amusement park.
This includes the major metro areas of Detroit; Boston; Indianapolis; Cleveland; Cincinnati; Pittsburgh; Philadelphia; Baltimore; Washington, D.C.; Atlantic City, New Jersey; Hartford, Connecticut; and Charleston, West Virginia.
Ocean water temperatures range from near 70 F along the Massachusetts coast to the middle 80s F at the Virginia capes, which are above average in most locations.
In most locations, daytime highs will be close to average and nighttime lows will be near to slightly below average for late-July. For locations like New York City this will translate to highs in the low to middle 80s F and nighttime lows in the upper 60s F.
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Fans and air conditioners will get a break during the overnight and morning hours. Many people will be able to let some fresh air into their homes.
According to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dave Dombek, farmers have been struggling to cut, dry and bale hay this summer.
"This will be the best haying weather of the summer so far," Dombek said. "Rain is great for lawns, flowers and the vegetable garden, but you also need consecutive dry days with lots of sunshine to strike the right balance and the upcoming weather is just what the doctor ordered."
This could be the longest stretch of dry weather for outdoor activities of the entire summer for the majority of the region.
"For many areas of the mid-Atlantic and New England, this will be the longest stretch of dry weather since the second week of June and in some cases since May," Dombek said.
Even during mild weather in July, the sun can still be intense and hot. Remember to wear sunscreen to protect from the damaging rays of the sun and wear lightweight clothing and short sleeves during the day.
An exception to the dry weather will be in northeastern New York state and northern New England, where brief spotty showers are possible each day. However, even in these areas the vast majority of the time will be free of rain.
Even around Chicago and Milwaukee, each day through Friday will be free of rain before showers and thunderstorms move in on Saturday.
Higher humidity and the chance of showers and thunderstorms will increase from west to east across the Midwest and Northeast this weekend.