After a cool, fall-like, weekend, we still expect a new surge of summer-like air to return next week as a strong (and expansive) ridge of high pressure “balloons” over the eastern half of the nation.
This will be enough to send temperatures into the 85° to 90° range by the early to middle of next week. To shed some perspective on that, our averages for early October include low temperatures in the upper 40s and highs in the upper 60s. For at least a couple of days next week, overnight lows will be much closer to where our afternoon highs should be this time of year.
There are differences on how modeling handles the evolution of things once past midweek. The European model has been jumping on a potential wet weather maker and much cooler trend in the medium term (late next week), but the GFS is having none of that- keeping us dry and hot. We’ll keep a close eye on things over the next couple of days and have a fresh 7-day soon!
Finally, we’re receiving many questions that are centered on whether or not the current overall warm pattern is an indication of what we can expect this winter. The simple and short answer to that question is an emphatic “no.” Transitional seasons are fickle, regardless of ENSO state. Throw in an emerging Nina and all sorts of additional “fun and games” ensue. With that said, there’s no direct correlation specifically between warm (or cold) patterns this time of year and the winter ahead. In fact, there’s been many instances where unseasonably warm Octobers give way to cold winters, and vice-versa.
More later! Make it a great Friday!