Summer weather to maintain grip on northeastern US despite fall's arrival

A press of cooler air will erase the recent heat in the short-term, but there are no signs of an autumn chill coming to the northeastern United States for days.

Highs in the 80s and lower 90s F from this past Saturday to Monday will be replaced with highs in the 60s, 70s and near 80 into Wednesday of this week.

Despite the cooldown into the middle of this week, no frost is forecast in areas that have not received any yet. The only frosty locations will be over the Adirondack Mountains and parts of northern New England.

However, don't put away the shorts and short-sleeves just yet.

"Temperatures are likely to remain above average for the balance of September and into early October," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dave Dombek.

"People should keep in mind that normal temperatures are trending downward at a quick pace on a day-to-day basis this time of the year," Dombek said.

For example, around New York City, the average high on Sept. 23 is 73 degrees, but 10 days later, on Oct. 3, the average high is 68.

The weather pattern will mean an extended growing season for vegetable and flower gardens. It also means extended harvest time for farmers.

It's also good news for outdoor painting and construction projects.

"Much of the time is likely to be free of rain for the Northeast into early October as well," Dombek said.

Only a couple of days out of the next 10-14 days are likely to be wet.

There will be a second press of cool air across the northern tier this weekend.

"As an easterly flow of moist air develops from the ocean over the mid-Atlantic region, there may be a day or two with low clouds and spotty drizzle early next week," Dombek said.

However, that pattern would bring cool weather by day, but the nights would be mild with the cloud cover acting as a blanket.

Many areas of the mid-Atlantic and southern New England experienced an above-average number of 90-degree days this past summer.