Colder Temperatures to Take Over the Northeast This Week

It has been a typical October for much of the Northeast with widely fluctuating temperatures. This roller coaster weather pattern is set to continue this week as the coldest air of the fall season rushes into the region on the heels of an unseasonably warm weekend. The pattern this week will also increase the odds of moisture for many areas. Here is a look at what you can expect in the week ahead for the Northeast and beyond.

Change to the Weather Will Mark the Beginning of the Week for Northeast

Residents of the bulk of the Northeast enjoyed a pleasant start to the weekend, with weather that allowed for pumpkin picking and leaf peeping on Saturday. The first hint of drastic changes came on Sunday when a cold front began to creep into the area from the west.

Rain on Sunday sent some of the last clinging leaves to the ground, ending the fall foliage season for the northern reaches of New England. The gusty winds coming in behind the front will send even more leaves falling.

The most noticeable change to the weather will be felt in pure air temperatures. Readings will resemble a chill most often seen in the middle of November rather than October.

The colder air circulating over the warmer water in the Great Lakes will support the development of lake-effect rain or snow. The snow is most likely to mix in with the rain during the overnight hours when the temperatures dip further.

The interior portions of northern Pennsylvania and into southern New York could see the flakes fly. However, warmer ground temperatures will limit accumulation to grassy areas, leaving the roads clear for motorists.

The cold air pairing with the strong winds will translate to chillier real feel readings. The surge of nearly winter like temperatures will creep farther to the east and the south on Tuesday, marking a drastic change for several of the largest metro areas along the East Coast.

For instance, after seeing highs in the 80s on Sunday, Philadelphia will struggle to hit the 60-degree threshold on Tuesday. The City of Brotherly Love is not likely to see the low 60s until at least Thursday. Monday will be the windiest day of the week for Philadelphia with winds forecast to come in from the west-northwest at 15 to 25 mph and gusts hitting speeds up to 40 mph.

You will find a similar change for places such as New York City and Washington, D.C. The Big Apple will top out with highs in the upper 50s on both Tuesday and Wednesday. More sunshine toward the end of the week will bring the mercury back up into the 60s for afternoon highs.

The nation's capital will also hover in the mid to upper 50s for highs during the middle of the week. Readings will inch back up into the 60s beginning on Thursday, setting the stage for a warmer weekend.

Precipitation and Frost in the Forecast for Many Areas

The lake-effect precipitation will fire up on Monday and linger into Tuesday and Wednesday. For instance, Erie, Pennsylvania will be under the threat of a chilly rain through the middle of the week. Highs will only reach the low 50s during this time period with lows forecast to dip into the mid 40s. It will be a breezy few days with winds clocking in at speeds of 10 to 20 mph.