Summer is finally delivering something we haven’t enjoyed in a long time: a long stretch of pleasant weather.
Temperatures are comfortable, dew points are low, and rain chances are virtually nonexistent straight through the weekend. Extended runs like this do not happen often, so take advantage of it while it lasts.
The stretch of nice weather is made possible thanks to a broad area of high pressure sitting over the Northeast. It is keeping all the tropical heat and humidity off to the south, as well as any significant rain chances. As a result, we get to enjoy quiet weather straight through the weekend.
After highs in the upper 80s kicked off the week, temperatures have moderated into the low 80s and that is where they are going to stay for several days. Average high temperatures for Central Park in August hover in the mid-80s, but an easterly wind is going to help keep our temperatures just below average; a welcome change for the middle of what has otherwise been a pretty sweaty summer.
And not only are we getting 80-degree temperatures, but that is coming along with continued low humidity. Dew points are in the mid to upper 50s for the next several days. Anytime the dew point is under 60, especially during the summer, it is going to feel comfortable.
It is not until the dew point tips into the low to mid 60s that you really start to feel the mugginess coming back; and that is not really something we have to worry about until the end of the weekend at the earliest.
In fact, we’re looking ahead to such a dry forecast even rain won’t be an issue. At most, there will be an isolated sprinkle or two creeping up into South Jersey, but even that will be low impact and won’t get in the way of any outdoor plans you may have.
Expect to enjoy dry skies with plenty of sunshine, through the remainder of the week and into the weekend. So feel free to hit the beach or plan that outdoor barbeque any day, sky conditions will more than cooperate.
Pretty much the only knock on this entire week weather-wise comes with respect to air quality. Incoming smoke from the Canadian wildfires saw the AQI on Tuesday jump into the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category and stay there for most of the day. But that was the worst of it.
The same easterly wind that is keeping our temperatures comfortable is helping to push that smoke away from the tri-state as we head through the end of the week. For now, you’ll still see the smoky, hazy skies.
Those belonging to sensitive groups should limit strenuous outdoor activities for the next day or two; the lingering particulates in the air could exacerbate any underlying respiratory conditions. But air quality is improving day by day and we’ll be back to healthy levels by Saturday.
It is not until after the weekend that our nice run of weather starts to take a turn. Temperatures will climb back into the 90s and humidity will be on the rise as well. August will be feeling like August again, instead of our preview of September. And this comes along with the return of showers and storms.
But all of that is still a week away. The weather is beautiful now, so enjoy it. Just remember the sunscreen and sunglasses before you head out the door.
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