Below Normal Temperatures Expected

General Overview: ACTIVE WEATHER PATTERN ACROSS THE EASTERN HALF OF THE COUNTRY WITH RAIN AND THUNDERSTORMS SPREADING FROM THE SOUTHEAST TO THE NORTHEAST THROUGH MIDWEEK. MIXED PRECIPITATION EXPECTED IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST AND NORTHERN ROCKIES. HURRICANE MELISSA TRACKING OFFSHORE IN THE WESTERN ATLANTIC WITH TROPICAL STORM SONIA IN THE EASTERN PACIFIC.

EAST:  A low pressure system will bring widespread rainfall to the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions through Tuesday, with some thunderstorm activity possible along coastal areas. This system will gradually move northeastward, spreading rain into the coastal Northeast on Wednesday. Areas from the Carolinas through the Mid-Atlantic can expect periods of moderate to heavy rainfall, with the heaviest precipitation focused along the coastal regions. Thursday and into this weekend, a new area of low pressure will intensify and move across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, potentially bringing stronger winds and heavier precipitation to coastal New England. 

Temperature Anomalies:

-Days 1-3: Near normal to slightly below normal temperatures across most of the region, with readings 2-4°F below normal in parts of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast as cloud cover and precipitation dominate.

-Days 4-6: Cooling trend continues with temperatures 3-6°F below normal spreading across much of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, particularly in Georgia, the Carolinas, and Virginia.

-Days 7-10: Moderating temperatures with continued below normal readings (2-4°F below average) along the East Coast, gradually returning to near normal by day 10.

CENTRAL:  A complex weather pattern will affect the Central regions with multiple systems moving through. Today and tomorrow, a low pressure system will develop and bring rainfall to the region, initially in the Central/Northern Plains, spreading to the southern plains and along the Mississippi Valley on Wednesday. Drier conditions are expected through the remainder of the week, with cooler temperatures filling into the Northern Plains. High pressure will build into the region by the weekend, prolonging drier conditions.

Temperature Anomalies:

-Days 1-3: Below normal temperatures across the Central Plains and parts of the Midwest, with readings 3-6°F below normal. Near normal temperatures elsewhere.

-Days 4-6: Cooling trend continues with below normal temperatures (3-5°F below average) spreading across Texas, Oklahoma, and the Southern Plains.

-Days 7-10: Warming trend develops with above normal temperatures building across the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest, with readings 3-6°F above normal by days 9-10.

WEST:  Mixed precipitation will affect the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies today, with high pressure systems dominating across much of the Southwest. Areas of rain and mountain snow are expected in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. By midweek, drier conditions will spread across most of the region as high pressure builds. The Southwest will remain generally dry throughout the period with warming temperatures. Returning rain and elevated mixed precipitation may greet the Pacific Northwest late this week and into the weekend.

Temperature Anomalies:

-Days 1-3: Below normal temperatures across the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies (3-6°F below normal). Above normal temperatures (4-6°F above normal) across the Southwest, particularly in Arizona and southern Nevada.

-Days 4-6: Warming trend develops with above normal temperatures spreading across most of the West, particularly in the Great Basin and Intermountain regions with readings 4-8°F above normal.

-Days 7-10: Continued above normal temperatures across the entire Western region, with the warmest anomalies (6-8°F above normal) centered over the Great Basin, Rocky Mountains, and Southwest.

TROPICAL:

ATLANTIC BASIN: Hurricane Melissa is currently located in the Caribbean Sea and poses a significant threat to surrounding areas such as Jamaica. The system is expected to maintain hurricane strength as it tracks through the region. Hurricane Melissa is not expected to impact the mainland U.S.. 

EASTERN PACIFIC: Tropical Storm Sonia is located in the eastern Pacific, and has re-intensified into a tropical storm. Sonia does not pose a threat to the mainland U.S. and will continue to drift westward before dissipating sometime tomorrow.