Weather

The recent dry, mild weather will come to an end Friday across the East Coast, with occasional rain in New England, and showers and thunderstorms in the Middle Atlantic and the Southeast. A few of the storms may produce strong gusts. Strong winds will also blow along the coast, especially at south-facing beaches. Heavier rain and thunderstorms will spread across the Mid-Atlantic and New England at night. Flash flooding may occur in urban areas and spots with poor drainage, especially where leaves clog storm drains.

In the wake of a storm system, cooler air will extend from the Midwest to the Appalachian Mountains and the northern Gulf Coast throughout the day. A few spotty showers are expected to develop across the northern and mid-Mississippi Valley.

The southern High Plains will turn milder ahead of a storm, which will produce rain, mountain snow and gusty winds as it moves through the Northwest. The rain may mix with or change to snow along the system’s northern edge. It is projected to expand into the northern High Plains in the afternoon and at night.

The Southwest will remain dry, with warmth lingering over California. Breezy Santa Ana winds will keep the fire danger high in Southern California.

FOCUS: Storm to Strengthen on Saturday

A storm is expected to strengthen over New England on Saturday as it moves northeast. Rain may change to wet snow in the mountains from Pennsylvania to Vermont as colder air moves in behind the storm on strong northwest winds.