Memorial Day weekend will see a reduction in rain, but temperatures will remain cooler than summer averages.

As the region experiences a significant shift in weather patterns, recent rains have alleviated drought conditions, albeit temporarily, as they recede ahead of the unofficial start of summer. Despite the calendar indicating a transition toward warmer months, the weather in Philadelphia over the past two days has been unusually cool for late May, with temperatures plummeting around 20 degrees below the seasonal average.

Thursday’s forecast suggests that the city may receive an additional half inch of rainfall, bringing the total number of rainy days this month to 14. Tom Kines, a senior meteorologist with AccuWeather, notes that while improvement is on the horizon, it will be gradual.

Looking ahead to the Memorial Day weekend, regional coastal areas are under a minor coastal flooding advisory, but they are expected to draw large crowds. These beach destinations may provide a more secluded atmosphere for those seeking respite from the ongoing precipitation. Kines predicts that the weather will dry out from Saturday through Monday, with each day showcasing increasing sunshine.

Temperatures at both the shore and on the mainland will struggle to break into the 60s on Saturday and Sunday, with brisk winds contributing to a cooler feel. Monday, however, is expected to bring a more pleasant experience, with sunnier conditions and temperatures reaching into the 70s.

In regard to the drought situation, while advisories remain in effect for parts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, there has been a noteworthy improvement reflected in the U.S. Drought Monitor’s latest updates. Most of the area, including all of Philadelphia and Delaware County, has been removed from low-grade “abnormally dry” classifications. This improvement can be largely attributed to significant rainfall from disturbances experienced over the past week.

The recent weather, characterized by a winter-like nor’easter, has played a crucial role in this transformation. As these weather systems typically bring about heavy snow in colder months, the current cool weather serves as a reminder of the past harsh winter.

The precipitation levels recorded so far this month exceed normal by approximately 1.7 inches, with a total of approximately 4.5 inches measured at Philadelphia International Airport. However, forecasts suggest that shower chances could reemerge between Monday night and Wednesday, and cooler temperatures may persist throughout the remainder of the month.

This weather pattern contrasts sharply with earlier conditions this month, which saw above-average temperatures and several instances of highs exceeding 80 degrees. In fact, Wednesday marked one of the lowest maximum temperatures for this time of year in Philadelphia’s history, emphasizing the unusual climate fluctuations experienced recently. Meteorologist Kines emphasizes that beachgoers should temper their expectations for ideal beach weather this Memorial Day weekend, suggesting that those seeking warmer conditions might have to wait until the July 4 holiday for more favorable temperatures.

As locals and visitors prepare for the holiday weekend, these weather conditions present an interesting landscape of ongoing change and adaptation in the region.

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