After weeks of oppressive heat, sticky humidity, and periods of wildfire smoke, residents of Pennsylvania and much of the Northeast can look forward to several days of comfortable summer weather.
Forecasters say a refreshing air mass has settled over the region, bringing daytime highs mainly in the 70s and low 80s through the end of the week, along with noticeably lower humidity.
The change follows one of the hottest stretches of July in recent memory. Earlier this month, temperatures climbed into the triple digits in parts of the Northeast and Northern Plains, while New York City reached its first 100-degree day in 14 years. The prolonged heat also contributed to a wave of Canadian wildfires, sending thick smoke into Pennsylvania and much of the eastern United States.
The latest forecast offers a sharp contrast.
Overnight temperatures across much of the Northeast, including south-central Pennsylvania, are expected to fall into the 50s and lower 60s, allowing many residents to open their windows instead of relying on air conditioning. Dew points, a measure of humidity, are also expected to remain in the comfortable 40s and 50s, replacing the muggy conditions that dominated much of July.
Air quality is also expected to improve. Although wildfires continue to burn in parts of central Canada and northern Minnesota, recent rainfall, cooler weather and ongoing firefighting efforts have significantly reduced the amount of smoke reaching the Northeast.
The pleasant stretch is not expected to last indefinitely. Forecasters say hotter weather will begin building back into the Plains this weekend before gradually expanding into parts of the Midwest next week. Additional episodes of wildfire smoke also remain possible later this summer if fires continue to burn in Canada.
Meanwhile, attention along the Gulf Coast remains focused on Tropical Storm Bertha, which made landfall in Louisiana and is expected to weaken as it moves westward toward Texas. While the storm is bringing heavy rain, gusty winds and a risk of localized flooding to portions of the Gulf Coast, it is not expected to have any direct impact on Pennsylvania’s weather.
Source: The Weather Channel