NAM model showing vast high pressure in control this weekend

A ridge of high pressure has build into the area, and the warming trend is on over the next few days. If you're just waking up and getting a check of the forecast you certainly won't feel the warmth. Such is protocol this time of year under high pressure with clear skies and light winds. The fact is, we're heading towards the colder season and we can't hide that. The overnight period exposes the cool temperatures (in fact, many locations dropped into the 40's and even upper 30's inland on Saturday morning). However, the ridge of high pressure will begin to usher in some of the warmer air of the past few weeks. High temperatures are expected to be in the upper 70's to near 80 in spots on Saturday, and low to middle 80's on Sunday, with some locations possibly topping out warmer than the mid 80's. Make no mistake, this is very warm for this time of year. Don't forget, it's the second week of October! A ridge of the intensity we're experiencing now, in the mid summer, would provide record breaking heat. We'll just have to settle for beautifully pleasant and warm fall weather instead!

THE FORECAST...

Today (Saturday): Mostly sunny, light west winds, high near 79. Couldn't ask for a better start to the weekend. No chance of rain.

Tonight: Clear, temperatures dropping fairly cool once again...but around 10 degrees warmer than Friday Night into Saturday. Low near 61. Again, light and variable winds.

Sunday: Sunny, warmer, light west-northwest winds. High near 85. Gorgeous. Short sleeves and (dare we say it) shorts could actually work during the warm hours of the afternoon.

Article written by JH. Published October 8th, 2011 at 2:22am. Looking for a forecast? See New York Metro Weather's Long Range Forecast for the upcoming 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.