Chicago, IL – A sharp weather divide will stretch across the United States this weekend, with summerlike warmth in the Midwest and much cooler, wetter conditions moving into the West.
According to the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center, a cold front sweeping through the West will drop temperatures into the 40s and 50s by Saturday, accompanied by rain and even mountain snow. Meanwhile, the upper Midwest is forecast to remain unseasonably warm, with highs climbing into the upper 80s under dry mid-level ridging.
Sunday’s outlook shows the heat lingering across much of the central U.S., while below-normal temperatures continue across the Rockies and Pacific Northwest. The temperature contrast is expected to be stark, with the West bundling up and the Midwest holding onto late-summer conditions.
New England residents can expect a milder, calmer weekend. Sunshine will dominate the forecast across much of the region, offering a comfortable backdrop for those planning outdoor activities or fall leaf-peeping trips. The latest fall foliage map shows color changes accelerating across the northern tier, especially in New England and the upper Midwest.
Travelers and outdoor enthusiasts should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions depending on location. Those in the West may encounter slick roads in higher elevations due to snow, while Midwesterners may need to brace for continued heat. The East Coast, in contrast, will enjoy one of the more pleasant stretches of early October weather.
This weekend’s wide-ranging conditions highlight the seasonal transition underway, as fall foliage season ramps up and the first taste of winter weather brushes the mountains out West.
