Severe nor’easter to strike Connecticut on Thursday
A powerful nor’easter is poised to disrupt weather conditions across Connecticut this Thursday, just days ahead of Memorial Day weekend. Forecasters from WFSB 3 TV and the National Weather Service warn that the state will experience soaking rainfall, cold temperatures, and strong wind gusts, potentially setting new weather records in Hartford and Bridgeport.
Highs are expected to reach only the upper 40s (around 9°C) in some regions, far below the seasonal norm and comparable to overnight lows for this time of year. Meteorologists caution that 1 to 2 inches of rainfall may cause poor drainage flooding, and the biting chill could break a temperature record that dates back to 1909 in Hartford.
Tuesday and Wednesday: Cooler air settles in
The week begins on a cooler note. Tuesday sees partly to mostly cloudy skies with a high between 60°F and 65°F (15.5°C to 18.3°C) and calmer winds. By Wednesday, the sky turns overcast, and temperatures dip to the mid-50s (around 12.7°C). While the day starts dry, showers are expected to develop later, especially by Wednesday night, when steady rain becomes more likely.
Wind speeds will increase, especially near the coast, with easterly gusts up to 14 mph inland and even stronger along the shoreline.
Thursday: The nor’easter arrives in full force
Thursday has been designated a First Alert Weather Day. A secondary low-pressure system forming to the south will rapidly intensify as it tracks up the Eastern Seaboard, transforming into a classic nor’easter.
Connecticut will face:
- Heavy rain from morning through late evening
- Strong northeast winds with gusts up to 31 mph
- Daytime highs only in the upper 40s to low 50s (8.3°C to 11°C)
- A high risk of flooding in poor drainage areas
If the high in Hartford stays at or below 49°F (9.4°C), it would match a record low maximum temperature set 116 years ago.
Friday into the weekend: Showers ease, temperatures rise
As the nor’easter pulls away from the region on Friday, scattered showers may linger under mostly cloudy skies, with highs rebounding to around 60°F (15.5°C). By Saturday, isolated showers remain possible, but the day won’t be a complete washout. Expect highs in the mid-60s (around 18°C).
Sunday brings a noticeable improvement, with sunshine returning and highs approaching 70°F (21°C). Memorial Day Monday looks especially pleasant, with dry, bright conditions and temperatures reaching the mid-70s (around 24°C) inland, and the low 70s (21°C to 22°C) along the coast.
Regional forecast breakdown
Southern Connecticut
- Wednesday: Mostly cloudy with highs near 59°F (15°C), rain increasing overnight.
- Thursday: Heavy rain, windy, highs near 56°F (13°C).
- Friday: Cloudy with scattered showers, high near 60°F (16°C).
- Weekend: Improving each day; Sunday and Monday expected to be dry and sunny.
Northern Connecticut
- Wednesday: Cloudy with highs near 57°F (14°C), rain arriving overnight.
- Thursday: Rain and wind, high near 52°F (11°C).
- Friday: Mostly cloudy with some lingering rain, high near 58°F (14°C).
- Saturday through Monday: Gradual clearing, with temperatures rising into the high 60s to low 70s (20°C to 22°C) by Memorial Day.
Weather watchers and holiday planners in Connecticut should brace for a dramatic shift in conditions midweek, followed by a slow but steady improvement just in time for the long weekend.
