Northeast Weekend Soaking Possible From Philippe's Remnant, Cold Front

 Chris Dolce

Published: October 4, 2023

A soaking setup in the Northeast this weekend could produce localized flooding from the combination of a cold front and the remnants of Tropical Storm Philippe, which could enhance rainfall in Maine.

An eastward-moving cold front will be the main instigator for this wet setup: A majority of the rain falling in the Northeast Friday into this weekend will be from a cold front slicing across the region.

M​uch cooler air and gusty winds will follow right behind that front's passage.

(​MORE: Forecast Weather Maps)

P​hilippe's remnant could be an added ingredient for some: The latest forecast path from the National Hurricane Center shows Tropical Storm Philippe moving northward near Bermuda, then bending back northwest toward Maine and eastern Canada.

As it makes that northward trek this weekend, it will become strong non-tropical low-pressure system, or get absorbed by a separate low to its west. The upshot is that Philippe's remnant could add more rainfall and gusty winds to the already wet Northeast setup, mostly in Maine and eastern Canada.

(​MORE: Philippe Interactive Tracker)

Here's how much rain to expect and the impacts: At least an inch of rain could fall from much of New York into western and northern New England from Friday through Sunday. Some spots could see higher totals up to 2 or 3 inches.

G​iven the saturated conditions in the Northeast, there could be some localized flooding in spots.

We do not expect a repeat of late September's serious flooding in the New York City metro area from this setup, but can't rule out some nuisance flood issues.

(​RECAP: How New York City's Flooding Happened)

Here's the rainfall timing:

F​riday: Showers could spread from western parts of New York and Pennsylvania to as far east as western New New England and northern New Jersey. Localized heavy rainfall is possible in spots.

S​aturday-Saturday night: Rainfall is possible for at least part of the day from the mid-Atlantic to Maine. Localized flooding is most possible from central and northern New England to northern New York.

S​unday-Sunday night: Philippe's remnant could add a boost to heaviest remaining rainfall in Maine, especially early. Otherwise, lake-enhanced rain showers could dampen areas from northwestern Pennsylvania to western New York.

Chris Dolce has been a senior meteorologist with weather.com for over 10 years after beginning his career with The Weather Channel in the early 2000s.

The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.

The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.