Record warmth kicks off holiday weekend, rain may soak Easter plans

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Cities from Washington, D.C. to New York City are expected to record warm temperatures on Saturday, with highs reaching the 80s across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. However, a cold front will bring in storms and potentially disrupt Easter Sunday plans for millions across the East.

Why it matters

The unseasonably warm weather and severe storms could impact travel and outdoor Easter activities for millions of Americans. The weather pattern highlights the unpredictable nature of spring weather and the challenges it can pose for holiday planning.

The details

The warmth on Saturday will fuel severe weather across parts of the Ohio Valley, including southern Kentucky and western New York. Storms will fire up Saturday afternoon and into the evening as the heat builds. Portions of Ohio, including Cleveland and Columbus, are under a Level 2 out of 5 risk of severe thunderstorms. On Sunday, a cold front will push east, ushering in showers and a few downpours that will reach major I-95 cities from Raleigh to Boston by the afternoon, potentially impacting outdoor Easter events like egg hunts and parades.

• Temperatures could reach the 80s across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast and parts of the Northeast on Saturday.
• Severe storms will fire up Saturday afternoon and into the evening across parts of the Ohio Valley.
• Showers and a few downpours are expected to begin Sunday morning from Georgia to upstate New York.
• By Sunday afternoon, rain will reach major I-95 cities from Raleigh to Boston.
• Most of the rain will lighten up on Sunday evening and overnight into Monday.

What’s next

The cold front will continue to push east on Monday, bringing cooler temperatures to the Northeast that will remain near seasonal averages in the 40s and 50s.