Summer does not formally end for another three weeks, but Labor Day Weekend is nearly here, and that marks the unofficial end to the season as kids prepare to head back to the classroom.
It is going to be a gorgeous weekend of weather, perfect for enjoying the final days of summer vacation. The one caveat: temperatures will be screaming “fall” rather than “summer.”
Temperatures will stay mild all weekend, with highs ranging from the mid-to-upper 70s in Central Park.
These temperatures, especially Saturday’s high of 75 degrees, will be more in line with what would be average for mid-to-late September. And there is no threat of humidity making our temperatures feel any warmer than they are. In fact, with consistently low humidity all weekend, the afternoon air will have a comfortable, almost crisp, feeling to it.
The cool weather won’t be confined to the afternoon. We’ll enjoy cool, crisp mornings as well. Wake-up temperatures will be in the 50s in the city, while North Jersey and the Hudson Valley will dip into the 40s.
You’ll want to have a sweater or light jacket with you as you head out the door.
One thing you will not need to have with you: an umbrella. At least not by Saturday.
There is, however, a slight rain chance on Friday as we head into the holiday weekend. But that chance will be isolated at best. A cold front is moving through Friday afternoon and evening. And while it will weaken considerably as it approaches, in part thanks to our very dry atmosphere, it will bring just enough instability to touch off a few stray showers, maybe even a localized storm.
Those on the eastern end of Long Island are the most likely to see the impacts of this system. But even then, whatever does pop up is going to be isolated and short-lived, delivering less than a tenth of an inch of rain. Your getaway travel plans should be largely unaffected, though you may briefly need your windshield wipers if you’re heading out to the Hamptons.
Beyond Friday evening, our current pattern of otherwise dry weather will continue through the holiday weekend.
We’ll have wall-to-wall sunshine on Saturday and Sunday. Monday will have a few more clouds, but there is no threat of them bringing any more rain. High pressure remains in control all weekend, delivering three full days of dry skies.
So if you can get over the lack of sweltering heat (I know I sure can), this weekend’s weather will be nearly picture-perfect. Whether you plan on heading down the shore, attending a barbecue, or just staying at home, be sure to carve out at least some time outside; it will be a lovely way to say farewell to summer.
