Wildfire Smoke To Hit CT As Stormy Weather Looms

CONNECTICUT — While the state is enjoying sunshine and warm temperatures for now, the forecast calls for rain and possible thunderstorms this weekend.

Meanwhile, smoke from wildfires to our south in New Jersey could impact the state Thursday afternoon, according to meteorologists.

WFSB reports temperatures will be warm and dry through the end of the week, but that will end this weekend.

Tom Wasula, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said showers are expected to arrive on Friday, with a chance for thunderstorms.

Both WFSB and the National Weather Service say they anticipate rain on Saturday.

“Saturday is now a *First Alert Weather Day* as rain is likely, especially through the morning hours, that will certainly have an impact on outdoor plans,” WFSB reports.

According to Wasula, Saturday will have showers “on and off,” with temperatures reaching into the 60s in Connecticut.

“Showers will diminish west to east across the state,” Wasula said.

All is not lost, however, as Sunday is expected to be dry and sunny again, according to forecasters.

“On Sunday, Connecticut will see a return to mostly sunny weather, with temperatures in the 60s,” Wasula said.

Wildfire smoke impacts on CT

Ongoing New Jersey wildfires could impact air quality in nearby states, and experts are monitoring their potential impact on Connecticut.

James Connolly, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said models indicate the potential for smoke from the New Jersey wildfires to impact Connecticut on Thursday, particularly later in the day.

WFSB reports Connecticut skies could have wildfire-related haze by late Thursday.

The rain forecast for Friday and Saturday would help eliminate the smoke’s impact, according to Connolly.

Read More:

• Beloved Top School Official Dies Unexpectedly
• Doctor Ordered To Leave Country Immediately
• Neglected, Dead Animals Discovered In ‘Deplorable’ Animal Cruelty Case: Police

Here are the forecast details for southern Connecticut via the National Weather Service:

Today: Sunny, with a high near 72. West wind around 7 mph.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 66. Calm wind becoming southeast 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon.

Friday Night: Showers likely, mainly after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Saturday: Showers. High near 66. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Saturday Night: Showers likely before 8 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 46. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 63.

Here are the forecast details for northern Connecticut via the National Weather Service:

Today: Sunny, with a high near 71. Northwest wind 8 to 11 mph.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 74. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 9 mph in the morning.

Friday Night: Showers likely, mainly after 4 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. South wind 8 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday: Showers. High near 67. South wind 10 to 13 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Saturday Night: A chance of showers before 11 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. Northwest wind around 11 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. North wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.