Millions across Northeast and Mid-Atlantic expected to see unseasonable temperatures through the start of May
Summer stalled: The first two weeks of May will likely bring temperatures 10 to 15 degrees below average and rounds of rain across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.
May starts with unseasonable spring chill across Northeast, Mid-Atlantic
Those anticipating a summer preview across the Northeast and the Mid-Atlantic will have to wait a few more weeks, with temperatures expected to remain 10 to 15 degrees below average as the calendar turns to May. Nearly 230 million Americans will experience below-average temperatures on Saturday. Parts of the Interstate 95 corridor like New York City and Washington, D.C., will only reach the upper 50s and low 60s on Saturday, with overnight lows in the low 40s.
Those anticipating a summer preview across the Northeast and the Mid-Atlantic will have to wait a few more weeks, with temperatures expected to remain 10 to 15 degrees below average as the calendar turns to May.
Seasonable spring-like temperatures will stick around through the end of April, ahead of a burst of heavy rain across the region Thursday.
FILE- LATHAM, NY - APRIL 7: Fans are bundled up as they watch a lacrosse game between Shenendehowa and Shaker from the cold bleachers on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Latham, N.Y. ((Lori Van Buren/Albany Times Union via Getty Images) / Getty Images)
A widespread 1 to 2 inches of rain could fall across the interior Northeast, from upstate New York through Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine by Friday. Higher amounts of 2 to 3 inches or more will be possible, particularly in Maine and New Hampshire.
Meanwhile, an area of high pressure from Canada will move in behind the departing storms, ushering in cool conditions from Maine to the Carolinas.
Nearly 230 million Americans will experience below-average temperatures on Saturday. Parts of the Interstate 95 corridor like New York City and Washington, D.C., will only reach the upper 50s and low 60s on Saturday, with overnight lows in the low 40s.
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According to the FOX Forecast Center, average highs for early May are typically in the low 70s for D.C. and in the upper 60s for New York. New England could see overnight lows drop into the 30s.
Beyond the weekend, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center expects this cooler pattern to last through mid-month.
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In addition to the cold, the FOX Forecast Center expects it will be a soggy first two weeks of May, with several storm systems looming on long-range forecasts for the northeastern U.S. Some higher elevations could even see May snow.
Those looking to plant may need to wait until this colder pattern departs, with extended periods of 70+ degree conditions unlikely.