As the spookiest night of the year approaches, AccuWeather meteorologists have unveiled their Halloween forecast, painting a picture of widely varying weather conditions that will impact trick-or-treating festivities across the United States.
While the Eastern Seaboard is set to enjoy an unusually mild and dry All Hallows’ Eve, other regions of the country face a less welcoming outlook.
“This year, the weather will be a real mixed bag for Halloween,” said AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Forecaster Paul Pastelok. “Some parts of the country will be in for a treat, while others may face some weather-related tricks.”
Bewitching Warmth for the East Coast
Residents of the Northeast and mid-Atlantic can expect a pleasant surprise this Halloween. Forecasters are predicting high temperatures ranging from the 70s in New England to near 80°F across much of the region – over 15 degrees above the historical average.
“It’s going to feel more like a warm autumn day than Halloween,” Pastelok noted. “Trick-or-treaters may even need to shed a layer or two of their costumes to stay comfortable.”
The only potential downside for the Eastern Seaboard is a cold front expected to approach in the evening, potentially bringing rain showers to the eastern Great Lakes. However, the timing should be quick enough to keep most of the region dry for the duration of Halloween festivities.
Stormy Conditions Scare the Central U.S.
In stark contrast, the central United States will face a more ominous forecast. As the cold front pushes eastward, it is expected to spawn thunderstorms stretching from Texas to the Ohio Valley.
“Thunderstorms can occur from Houston northward to Little Rock and Memphis,” Pastelok warned. “Revelers in these areas will need to keep a close eye on the weather and be prepared to seek shelter if any thunder and lightning rolls in.”
The rain and falling temperatures during the evening hours could also put a damper on trick-or-treating in parts of the Midwest, including cities like Detroit and Cleveland.
Wintry Tricks for the Northwest
While the Southwest can look forward to a weather-friendly Halloween, the Northwest is bracing for some unwelcome tricks from Mother Nature.
As a storm system approaches from the Pacific Ocean, the higher elevations above 2,000 feet could experience wintry conditions, including rain, snow, and potentially icy weather.
“The higher elevations in the Northwest, above 2,000 feet, can experience some tricks from Mother Nature with wintry conditions,” Pastelok said. “Those sensitive to cool weather will need an extra layer or two under their costume.”
Residents of Seattle and Portland can also expect hit-or-miss rain showers throughout the evening, with temperatures dipping into the 40s Fahrenheit.
Whether your Halloween plans take you to the warm and dry East Coast, the stormy Central states, or the chilly Northwest, it’s clear that this year’s forecast will be anything but predictable. Trick-or-treaters and revelers would be wise to plan accordingly and be prepared for whatever spooky surprises Mother Nature has in store.