Weather
Atlantic Coast Weather Oct. 20-26: Warmth Builds Before Halloween
Raleigh, NC – A broad surge of warmer than normal temperatures could stretch along much of the Atlantic Coast during the final full week before Halloween, potentially bringing a milder than usual late
By Claire Benton · 2026-10-13T09:58:08.660Z
Raleigh, NC – A broad surge of warmer than normal temperatures could stretch along much of the Atlantic Coast during the final full week before Halloween, potentially bringing a milder than usual late October pattern from the Northeast through the Southeast.
According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, the 8 14 day temperature outlook issued Monday, October 12, favors above normal temperatures across much of the eastern United States between October 20 26.
The outlook highlights an expansive warm pattern affecting major population centers including New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Richmond, Raleigh, Charlotte and portions of coastal Georgia and Florida.
Several areas along the Atlantic Seaboard fall within the 50% to 70% probability range for above normal temperatures, with stronger signals across portions of the interior eastern United States.
A Different Feel for Late October For northern coastal communities, above average temperatures could mean fewer chilly afternoons as the traditional fall season progresses.
Farther south, where October temperatures are typically milder, the pattern could extend the feeling of early autumn.
However, above normal temperatures do not necessarily mean record heat, and the outlook does not specify exact daily highs.
Halloween Forecast Still Uncertain While the October 20 26 outlook strongly favors warmth, NOAA's longer range forecast presents a more complicated picture for Halloween.
The Week 3 4 outlook, valid October 24 through November 6, shows equal chances of above , near and below normal temperatures across much of the Atlantic Coast.
That contrasts with the Midwest and western United States, where above normal temperatures remain favored through the extended period.
The changing probability pattern suggests the Atlantic Coast's warm signal may become less certain heading into Saturday, October 31.
For now, the clearest expectation is a warmer than average October 20 26 period. Halloween temperatures, rainfall and evening trick or treating conditions will require shorter range forecasts closer to the holiday.