NAM Model showing a mid- level dry slot over the area today (Thursday). Brown colors represent dry air, greener colors represent moist air.

The powerful and rather expansive storm system which provided our area with moderate amounts of rain and some gusty winds on Wednesday continues to churn over the Northeast United States. However, it's begun it's trek away from the area and will continue to move  northward into Southeastern and eventually East-Central Canada on Thursday. Although our area remains underneath a large disturbance in the mid-levels of the atmosphere, a dry slot (or area with significantly less moisture) will save our area from more rain on Thursday. Early in the morning, the potential for showers will exist as the system begins to shift north. With time, clearing skies are expected and by afternoon the sun will likely be shining. Temperatures will even be able to rebound, with the daytime heating of the sun, into the middle to upper 60's. With the aforementioned mid-level system still present, winds could be a bit gusty in the afternoon, but nothing overly dramatic (or similar to what we experienced this weekend). Temperatures are expected to drop towards 50 degrees on Thursday Night under partly cloudy skies.

Looking ahead to the weekend? We have nothing but smooth sailing to report. The only potential blemish would be the chance for some widely isolated showers on Saturday afternoon. Overall, it looks like we're in for a great weekend...with plenty of sun and high temperatures in the low 60's.

THE FORECAST...

Today (Thursday): A chance of showers early, then clearing. Partly sunny, with a high near 68. Southwest winds could get a bit gusty, but generally 10-15 miles per hour.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low near 50. Southwest winds still breezy at 10 to 15 miles per hour.

Article written by JH. Published October 20th, 2011 at 12:56am. Looking for a forecast? See New York Metro Weather's Long Range Forecast for the upcoming end of the week and weekend, or view our Technical Forecast Discussion for the more serious weather enthusiasts. Also, check out our new Forecast Overview tab. For up to the minute details on forecasts, watches, warnings, and alerts, follow us on Twitter and Facebook.