Connecticut Wakes Up to a Cool Start in the 40s Before Rain Returns Sunday Afternoon With Around Half an Inch Possible
Connecticut – Connecticut started Sunday on a cool note, with overnight temperatures dropping into the 40s across the state. The day begins with clear skies, but that will not last long. Clouds will build through the morning before rain slides in from the south during the afternoon. Many areas could pick up around half an inch of rain before the rain moves out late in the evening.
Cool Night Across the State
Saturday night brought a crisp feel to Connecticut, with lows in the 40s statewide. Clear skies and light winds allowed temperatures to fall overnight, making for a chilly start to Sunday. Anyone heading out early, whether for church, a morning run, or weekend errands, likely needed a jacket or sweater.
Clear Skies Early, Then Clouds Build
Sunday morning will start out with clear skies and some early sunshine. However, clouds will quickly build through the morning hours as moisture moves north toward New England. By late morning and early afternoon, skies will turn mostly cloudy across much of the state.
Rain Returns Sunday Afternoon
Rain is expected to return to Connecticut during the afternoon, moving in from the south. The rain is tied to moisture riding along a frontal boundary stalled near the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, where a soaking rain event has been unfolding this weekend. Some of that moisture is expected to push north into southern New England on Sunday.
Forecast guidance shows rain spreading across nearly the entire state, from Bridgeport, New Haven, and New London along the shoreline to Hartford, Waterbury, Danbury, and Torrington farther inland. Rain is also expected to reach western Massachusetts, including areas near Pittsfield and Amherst, and parts of eastern New York.
How Much Rain Could Fall?
Many areas could see around half an inch of rain by the time the rain ends Sunday night. Some locations could see a bit more where heavier pockets of rain set up. Forecast maps show some of the heavier rain potentially falling near Hartford, Simsbury, and New Britain, along with areas near Bridgeport, Danbury, and Southbury, as well as parts of eastern Connecticut near Mansfield and Ashford.
While this is not expected to be a major flooding event, rain totals around half an inch are enough to make roads wet and slippery, especially during heavier bursts.
Rain Moves Out Late Sunday Evening
The good news is that the rain is not expected to linger. It should move out late Sunday evening, allowing conditions to gradually improve overnight. Monday is expected to bring drier weather as the system pulls away.
Plan Ahead for Sunday Activities
Anyone with outdoor plans on Sunday should try to wrap them up earlier in the day, before the rain arrives in the afternoon. Morning hours will be the best time for outdoor activities such as yard work, hiking, apple picking, or visits to fall festivals and farm stands.
Football fans heading out to watch games or tailgate later in the day should be prepared for wet conditions. Bringing umbrellas and rain jackets is a good idea.
Travel Tips for Wet Roads
As rain moves in, roads across the state will become wet and slick, especially on major highways such as I-95, I-84, I-91, and Route 8. The first rain after a dry stretch can make roads extra slippery as oil and debris on the pavement mix with water. Drivers should slow down, turn on headlights, and leave extra space between vehicles.
Fallen leaves can also make roads more slippery in the fall, especially when wet, so drivers should use caution on back roads and in neighborhoods with lots of trees.
Rain Is Welcome for Dry Areas
The rain will be welcome for many parts of Connecticut. A half inch of rain can help lawns, gardens, and trees as fall continues, and it will also help keep local streams and reservoirs from running low.
Cool and Comfortable Fall Pattern
Overall, the weather pattern across Connecticut has turned more fall-like, with cool nights and mild afternoons. After the rain moves out, more comfortable fall weather is expected to continue into the coming week.
For more Connecticut weather updates and local forecasts, stay with bchssreport.com.