The Midwest and Northeast will experience fluctuating temperatures in the first half of May, with periods of warmth followed by chilly conditions and potential for frost. Residents should be prepared for a variety of weather and protect sensitive plants.
The first half of May in the Midwest and Northeast will be characterized by cooler-than-average temperatures, punctuated by brief warm spells. Residents should be prepared for fluctuating conditions, requiring a variety of clothing options.
While March-like weather will persist for a time, AccuWeather forecasts a shifting pattern throughout the month. This week will see a brief warmup followed by a return to chilly conditions, with potential for frost and freezes, especially in the early part of the month. The first weekend of May will be notably cool, with temperatures 5-15 degrees below average. Snowfall was even observed near the Great Lakes.
A temporary warming trend will begin in the Midwest on Sunday and spread to the Northeast and mid-Atlantic by Monday and Tuesday, with temperatures potentially reaching the 70s and even 80s in some areas. However, this warmth is short-lived. Another wave of cold Canadian air is expected to arrive later this week, bringing temperatures down and increasing the risk of late-season frosts.
The Plains and Midwest will cool down first, followed by the Ohio Valley, eastern Great Lakes, upstate New York, and northern New England. Cities like Chicago will see a drop from the 70s to the 50s. The I-95 corridor will struggle to reach the 50s, with some inland areas remaining below 40. The threat of a freeze is primarily limited to areas that have already experienced them, such as the northern Great Lakes and interior New England.
Frost is possible more widely, even with temperatures slightly above freezing. Coastal areas are less likely to experience a freeze. AccuWeather’s long-range forecasts suggest this cycle of warmups and cooldowns may repeat itself around May 10th, but there are indications that warmer weather may become more consistent during the latter half of May. Caution is advised for those considering swimming in local bodies of water, as water temperatures remain dangerously low.
Gardeners are warned to protect their plants from the impending cold snap
Midwest Northeast May Weather Cool Temperatures Warmup Frost Freeze Canadian Air Accuweather Weather Forecast
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