As you gear up for beach days, backyard BBQs and football this Labor Day weekend, you’ll want to check the forecast.
The good news is that we aren’t tracking anything tropical this weekend, however, parts of the country could stay rainy through the Labor Day holiday. With that said, many will enjoy a continuation of those cooler temperatures, before the false fall vibes slip away and September brings the heat back once again.
Labor Day Weekend Brings Soaking Rain For Some
While most of us cross our fingers for gorgeous weather on holiday weekends, that’s not going to do the trick for everyone.
A stalled frontal boundary draped across the South will keep rain chances in play for much of the Labor Day weekend and force many to need a plan B for outdoor holiday plans.
Here’s a breakdown of who will see rain this Labor Day weekend:
Saturday: This will quite possibly be the day with the most widespread rain in the South and Plains. Much of the South, including the Gulf Coast beaches will be dodging hit or miss showers and storms. Atlanta, New Orleans, Houston, Dallas, Orlando and Miami will have decent chances to see rain.
The Plains will also face showers and the potential for thunderstorms. This extends all the way up to the Dakotas. While no severe weather is forecast at this time, still be on the lookout for potential dangers from flash flooding and lightning.
Sunday: The chance of rain will start to subside across the Plains by Sunday, but that stubborn front will still be draped across the South, keeping rain chances in place for the southern third of the country.
While it won’t be an all-day rain, these showers can pop up quickly, so make sure you have a plan B and a safe place to escape to if you need to get indoors.
Labor Day: Monday will most likely be the best day for most of the country, as far as weather goes. While there will still be some lingering showers in the Plains and South, they won’t be quite as widespread compared to earlier in the weekend.
Much of Florida and parts of the Southeast will still face a decent chance of showers, but most of the rain starts to wind down, giving many a window of opportunity to get those outdoor plans in.
Also note: As showers and storms continue throughout the holiday weekend, the chances for flash flooding also increases. After days of rain, soils across portions of the South will become saturated, therefore, stay up to date on weather alerts and check back often for the forecast.
False Fall Hangs On For Many During Holiday Weekend
Now for the good news! The eastern two-thirds of the country are in for a real treat when it comes to temperatures this holiday weekend.
Anywhere from the Midwest to the Ohio Valley and Northeast will have picture perfect weather. Highs will largely be in the 70s with lower humidity. It will be tough to beat!
Even in the South, temperatures will stay below average for the most part. The only exception is the West, where hot temperatures will remain.
Here’s a breakdown of the holiday weekend temperatures:
Saturday: The vast majority of the country will enjoy temperatures in the 70s to start the Labor Day weekend. Coupled with lower humidity levels, you will be in for a picture perfect Saturday. The majority of these areas will have temperatures running 10-15 degrees below average — so enjoy!
Sunday: The cooler, drier air will continue in much of the country on Sunday. Much of the South will enjoy below-average temperatures. Highs across most of Texas will stay in the low 80s, and Atlanta could even stay below 80. Much of the Eastern Seaboard should stay in the 70s as well. Refreshing!
Labor Day: Temperatures across much of the country won’t change much between Sunday and Monday. However, those refreshing dew points will remain. If you are lucky enough to be in the Midwest, Ohio Valley and Northeast, get out and enjoy this holiday treat!
The West will stay warm. Parts of the Northwest will experience temperatures up to 15 degrees above average.
Jennifer Gray is a weather and climate writer for weather.com. She has been covering some of the world’s biggest weather and climate stories for the last two decades.