Halloween has a way of making even an ordinary night feel a little more dramatic. With Oct. 31 falling on a Saturday this year, families have the whole evening to get into costume, hit the neighborhood streets and collect candy. But a few extra layers might be in order, and some trick-or-treaters could find themselves dealing with more than a few spooky decorations along the way.
AccuWeather meteorologists are watching several weather systems that could complicate Halloween plans. Chilly air, gusty winds, rain and even mountain snow are all in the mix as the holiday approaches. The good news? Not everyone will have to dodge raindrops while going door to door. The bad news is that conditions could vary quite a bit depending on where you’re celebrating.
Chilly Temperatures Could Put Costumes to the Test
Much of the East Coast is expected to avoid rain on Halloween, but staying dry doesn’t necessarily mean staying warm. Cooler conditions across the Northeast and Great Lakes could make jackets an important part of the evening, even if they weren’t part of the original costume plan.
AccuWeather lead long-range forecaster Paul Pastelok said the weather can play a big role in how families prepare for the holiday. What he says is also in line with the National Weather Service‘s trends.
Credit: AccuWeather.
“Halloween is one of those holidays when the weather can make a big difference in how families plan their evening,” Pastelok said. “With chilly conditions expected across the Northeast and Great Lakes and the possibility of rain in the Plains, some families may need to rethink what goes underneath or over their costumes. A little preparation can go a long way, especially for younger children spending an hour or two outdoors.”
The cold starts making itself known before Halloween arrives. On Thursday, Oct. 29, brisk conditions are expected around Chicago, Detroit and much of the Great Lakes. Showers could move through parts of the Northeast, including Boston, New York City and Philadelphia. Rain is also possible in the Pacific Northwest and south Texas.
By Friday, Oct. 30, rain and mountain snow could spread across parts of the Southwest and Rockies, including areas near Salt Lake City, Phoenix and Albuquerque. The Northeast is expected to remain breezy and chilly, while parts of the Southeast dry out. Gusty winds could also make things uncomfortable across the Dakotas.
Rain and Mountain Snow Could Complicate Halloween Plans
Saturday, Oct. 31, should bring mostly dry conditions to much of the East Coast, but the weather picture gets more unsettled farther west. Showers and possibly a few thunderstorms could threaten Halloween activities around Dallas and Oklahoma City. Parts of the Southwest and Rockies could also see showers and mountain snow.
The northern Plains and Upper Midwest, including Billings, Rapid City and Minneapolis, are expected to remain mainly dry, though gusty winds could make it feel colder than the thermometer suggests. Southern Florida isn’t entirely in the clear, either. Miami and surrounding areas could see showers and stormy conditions.
Temperatures across parts of the Southwest and central Rockies may also fall below historical averages, adding another wrinkle for anyone planning outdoor festivities.
For families, the best approach is to keep an eye on the forecast as Halloween gets closer. A warm costume might need an extra layer, and a backup plan could come in handy if showers develop. After all, candy is the main attraction, but nobody wants a memorable Halloween to turn into a miserable one because they weren’t ready for the weather.
