A deadly heat wave that has caused four deaths in Maryland baked into the Northeastern United States over the weekend, with violent thunderstorms and torrential downpours sweeping into the region and signaling an end to torrid weather.
The storms will form along the leading edge of an abnormally cool air mass advancing southeastward across the Midwest on Monday.
“When an unusually strong cold front slashes into an unusually hot and humid air mass, severe weather can be expected, and that will be the case on Monday,” said Meteorologist . “The strongest thunderstorms will produce flooding downpours and damaging wind gusts.”
Rounds of drenching rain and thunderstorms moving eastward through the Ohio and Tennessee valleys as they move into the Mid-Atlantic later Monday afternoon and evening.
The hot and humid air still holding its ground east of the Appalachians will serve as the fuel necessary for thunderstorms to rapidly intensify and expand in coverage.
Cities most at risk for feisty storms on Monday include Allentown, Philadelphia and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Trenton and Atlantic City, New Jersey; New York City; Wilmington and Dover, Delaware; Richmond and Charlottesville, Virginia; Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
Although meteorologists do not see the threat for tornadoes as being a big concern on Monday, a brief isolated spin-up or two cannot be ruled out.
“Flight operations may be halted for a time at airports throughout the region,” Meteorologist said. “It may also be a slow ride home during the evening rush hour as motorists can face reduced visibility and a heightened risk of vehicles hydroplaning.”
The strongest storms are expected to cross the Interstate 81 and 95 corridors during the afternoon commute, so slow travel and widespread delays should be expected.
Trees and power lines can be brought down by any gusty thunderstorm and result in power outages. In addition, shingles can be torn off roofs, and loose outdoor objects can be tossed around and potentially be turned into dangerous projectiles.
There will also be an enhanced risk of flooding from the mid-Atlantic into the central Appalachians as the mid-Atlantic repeats heavy thunderstorms over the same areas.
While a general 1-2 inches of rain is forecast in this swath, the hardest-hit locations can receive as much as 4-5 inches of rain. Flooding of streets and low-lying areas will be common through Monday night and some small streams and creeks may not be able to handle high rainfall rates and overflow their banks.
“Even in the absence of severe weather, residents of Monday’s storms will face outrageous plans, travel delays and lightning dangers,” Pydynowski said.
Be sure to move indoors at the first sighting of lightning or clap of thunder. As soon as the thunder is heard, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
Because the front will only slowly slide eastwards into the clouds and rain may linger along the I-81 corridor for a good portion of Tuesday.
Although there is a risk of severe weather in Virginia and the Carolinas on Tuesday, any additional rainfall will prevent flooding streams and creeks from receding and spoil outdoor sporting events.
Temperatures will be slashed by some 10-20 degrees on Fahrenheit Tuesday to Washington, D.C., in Philadelphia.
A much welcome reduction in oppressive humidity will follow in the middle of the week in the wet weather.
High temperatures that hit the century mark in Baltimore and parts of Philadelphia over the weekend will be replaced by highs in the mid-80s.
With much lower humidity accompanying the cooler air, Temperatures were between 105 and 115 over the weekend with Real Feels in the mid to upper 80s.
For the sweltering heat and humidity of the resident sick, the September-like air mass will provide prolonged, outdoor activities such as hiking, running, biking and golfing.
The pleasant air and dry weather should be at the very end of the week before the muggier airs to the creep back into the Northeast.
reference –
Accu weather