Northeastern US thunderstorm chances to dwindle into Monday, ramp up again at midweek

By Kristina Pydynowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

Much to the delight of those with outdoor plans, thunderstorms will only affect a portion of the northeastern United States through Monday. The return of stormier weather, however, is on the horizon.

"The weather to start this week is going to provide an exceptional opportunity to enjoy some outdoor summer events in the Northeast," according to AccuWeather's Adam Sadvary.

As dry and comfortable air sweeps across more of the Northeast, showers and thunderstorms will be suppressed south of a line from near Erie, Pennsylvania, to Trenton, New Jersey, on Monday.

Even around Philadelphia, any thunderstorm that develops on Monday afternoon will be very spotty in nature and only affect a small fraction of the region.

Monday is shaping up to be a great day for county fairs, sporting events and picnics from northern Pennsylvania and central New Jersey through New England. This includes the New York City and Boston areas.

High temperatures will largely be held from the upper 70s to the middle 80s with high humidity absent.

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However, residents and visitors will still want to make sure they stay well hydrated and wear light-colored clothing as the strong August sun will send AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures to near or past the 90-degree mark during the early afternoon.

Sunscreen will also be a necessity for those spending a significant amount of time outdoors.

Monday may be one of the best days of the week for construction crews, farmers and anyone else with outdoor plans.

"Humidity and warmth will build and the thunderstorm chances will return toward the middle of the week," according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Dean DeVore.

Between a weak storm riding along the coast and a cold frontapproaching from the Upper Midwest, showers and thunderstorms will become more numerous across the Northeast Tuesday into Wednesday.

Widespread severe weather is not anticipated, but a few of the strongest thunderstorms may produce strong wind gusts. There can also be localized flash flooding.

These heavier thunderstorms are expected to focus on the eastern Great Lakes and Ohio Valley on Tuesday before targeting more of the Northeast on Wednesday.

Travelers may encounter some delays, while many more outdoor plans will be in jeopardy.

Anyone planning to spend time outdoors is urged to seek shelter as soon as thunder is heard. Thunder is nature's warning that you are close enough to be struck by lightning.

Download the free AccuWeather app to know when thunderstorms will threaten your community. Keep checking back for updates on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier and Verizon Fios.