Labor Day: Northeast to Bake; Severe Storms to Threaten Central Plains

By Brett Rathbun, AccuWeather.com Meteorologist

September 6,2015; 11:22PM,EDT

 

 

Labor Day is shaping up to be dry and summerlike across the Northeast, while thunderstorms target the South, nation's midsection and Four Corners region. The central Plains will be at greatest risk for the thunderstorms to cause damage and flooding.
After a dry and pleasant start to the weekend, temperatures will soar across the Northeast on Labor Day.
An area of high pressure centered over the Northeast this weekend will move across the western Atlantic, allowing winds to shift to the southwest on Labor Day.

Get Ready for the Heat

Many communities in the Northeast will record highs in the upper 80s on Monday with some places cracking the 90-degree mark. Further heating and an increase in humidity will come in the days following the holiday weekend.
While much of the Northeast has experienced many days this summer with very warm temperatures, temperatures of this magnitude tend to be less common in September.
According to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dave Dombek, "With normal temperatures trending downward quickly this time of the year, the heat may be more extreme when compared to earlier this summer."

Those attending afternoon Labor Day baseball games at Yankee Stadium, Nationals Park and Fenway Park should remember to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen to protect yourself from dangerous UV rays.
An unsettled weather pattern will persist across the Southeast and Gulf Coast into Labor Day.
Spotty showers and thunderstorms will develop, mainly during the afternoon from Florida and Georgia, westward to the southern Appalachians and the Gulf Coast.
Those with outdoor plans on Labor Day should keep an eye to the sky in case a thunderstorm rolls into your area.

Any thunderstorm that develops could contain torrential downpours and frequent lightning.
A dynamic storm system that will spread Severe thunderstorms across the Upper Midwest on Sunday will track southeastward on Labor Day and bring the threat for thunderstorms from Michigan to the central Plains.
The greatest potential for the thunderstorms to cause damage and flooding will focus on the central Plains late in the afternoon and at night. This includes Omaha, Nebraska, and Kansas City, Missouri.

Weather delays are possible for anyone heading to an afternoon baseball game in Chicago, St. Louis and Kansas City. Storms should hold off for the game in Detroit.
Behind the storm system, a cooler and pleasant Labor Day will unfold across the Upper Midwest.
Temperatures across the northern Plains will fall to more seasonable values as the region gets a break from the consistent heat during the first few days of September.
Widespread high temperatures in the 80s and 90s so far this September will be replaced with 70s and lower 80s on Labor Day.
RELATED:
DC, NYC, Boston Heat to Peak After Labor Day
Jimena May Bring Flooding Downpours to Hawaii Late Week
Tropical Storm Grace Tracks Westward Through Atlantic
Temperatures have been as much as 15 degrees above normal for September across the northern Plains.
A prolonged period of dry and hot conditions will continue across the southern Plains through Labor Day with little in the way of cooling thunderstorms.
"With high temperatures in the 90s to near 100 in Oklahoma and Texas, staying hydrated will be important," AccuWeather Meteorologist Michael Doll said.
Normal temperatures across the southern Plains on Labor Day range from the upper 80s to lower 90s.

Dust Storms and Haboobs: Explaining Arizona's Monsoon Season

Across the West, a dry and seasonable weather pattern will unfold for many, while spotty afternoon thunderstorms will fire across the Four Corners.
Conditions will be favorable for any outdoor activities on Labor Day, such as a barbecue or heading to a baseball game.
Those across the Four Corners should keep an eye to the sky in case a thunderstorm develops.
"People camping or hiking should be prepared to seek shelter from lightning should a storm pop up nearby," Doll said.
Your minute-by-minute Labor Day forecast can be found on AccuWeather.com Minutecast®. Type your city name, select Minutecast® and input your street address. Mobile users can also use their GPS location.