While a few southern neighborhoods could wake up to a brief round of light rain between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m., most locations are expected to stay dry through the daylight hours. Hazy sunshine will dominate the forecast, with temperatures reaching the low to mid-80s during the afternoon.
The shift in wind direction will help bring more comfortable conditions to the region, making Wednesday feel closer to what is typical for mid-August. Commuters may encounter some early morning wet roads south of New York City, but conditions should be largely dry by the height of the morning rush.
Despite generally quiet weather, skies will not be perfectly clear. Wildfire smoke in the upper levels of the atmosphere is expected to create a layer of haze across the region. Forecasters say the smoke is not reaching the surface at levels that would affect air quality, but it will give the sky a grayer appearance and limit the deep blue sky usually associated with sunny weather.
Wednesday will also bring a notable astronomical event. A partial solar eclipse will be visible in New York City, where the moon is expected to cover about 9% of the sun at maximum eclipse around 1:54 p.m. local time. While the event will be relatively modest locally, parts of Europe are expected to experience a much more dramatic total solar eclipse.
The comfortable conditions will not last long. Humidity is expected to increase again on Thursday, bringing a stickier feel to the air along with the chance for a few isolated showers and thunderstorms.
Relief returns by Friday as breezy conditions develop and usher in another round of drier air. The drop in humidity will set the stage for what is shaping up to be a standout summer weekend across the region. Bright sunshine and comfortable temperatures are expected both Saturday and Sunday, with highs holding close to 80 degrees.
LATEST ACCUWEATHER FORECAST
Wake-up Weather: Hazy, not as hot and humid
THE 7-DAY FORECAST
Wednesday
Hazy, not as hot and humid. High 84
Thursday
Hazy, humid, and a spot storm. High 85
Friday
Breezy, less humid. High 84
Saturday
Bright and beautiful. High 81
Sunday
Still pleasant. High 80
Monday
More humid, spot storm. High 83
Tuesday
Sunny and pleasant. High 82
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