Warm air precedes late-week storm
The storm system that spawned severe thunderstorms and possible tornadoes over the Mississippi River Valley yesterday will arrive in New England later this week, bringing the potential for heavy rainfall to the Institute on Thursday and Thursday night. Until then, the Boston area will be wedged between an offshore high pressure system and the approaching cold front. This setup will result in considerable pre-frontal warming, with temperatures expected to exceed 70°F (21°C) on each remaining day this week, whereas normal highs for this time of year are around 62°F (17°C).
Meanwhile, Hurricane Gonzalo has become the 6th tropical cyclone to attain hurricane strength in the Atlantic basin this year. While Gonzalo is currently situated to the east of Puerto Rico, the storm is forecast to intensify as it moves northeast before curving back toward Bermuda by the end of the week. If Gonzalo reaches Category 3 status (sustained winds of at least 111 mph), it would be the second Atlantic major hurricane of 2014.