AccuWeather Long-Range Experts say the forecast for trick-or-treating and family festivities this Halloween will be pleasant, dry and comfortable across at least two-thirds of the United States this year.
“We’re looking at a lot of mild weather overall for Halloween. In some places, you can call it downright warm,” said AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Expert Paul Pastelok. “The weather this Halloween will be a treat for a lot of trick-or-treaters, though the warmth could make some costumes uncomfortable.”
Wickedly Warm along the East Coast
AccuWeather is forecasting warm and dry conditions through the afternoon hours on Halloween across parts of the Southeast, mid-Atlantic and into the Northeast.
“Much of the East coast is looking at above historical average temperatures during the day. It can turn cooler quickly with the loss of daylight, especially if it gets breezy in your neighborhood,” said Pastelok. “Bring an extra sweatshirt or jacket. Kids may want to throw on an extra layer under their costumes after dark in these places.”
AccuWeather is forecasting high temperatures near or above 80 degrees on Halloween in New York City, Washington, D.C., Raleigh, Charlotte and Atlanta.
AccuWeather expert meteorologists say there is the potential for record-shattering high temperatures in some areas of the Northeast on Oct. 31.
Windy & Wet Areas in Florida
While dry and warm conditions are forecasted across much of northern Florida and the Panhandle, Pastelok said families should be prepared for windy conditions along the Atlantic coast and the possibility of rain in South Florida.
“We expect winds blowing in from the east from Daytona Beach to Miami and the Florida Keys, with some clouds and showers from time to time,” said Pastelok. “Make sure those costumes and decorations are ready to handle some wind, it could get quite breezy at times.”
AccuWeather is forecasting high temperatures in the 80s in Miami, Orlando, Daytona Beach, Jacksonville and Tampa on Halloween.
Showers & Storms from the Gulf Coast to the Great Lakes
Families also need to prepare for the potential of showers and even stormy conditions for trick-or-treating on Halloween along parts of the Gulf Coast and Mississippi Valley.
“Halloween festivities could get soggy thanks to a very slow-moving front,” said Pastelok. “A few thunderstorms could light up the sky with lightning at times, from Houston to Little Rock and Memphis. It’s a good idea to have umbrellas and ponchos ready. Have a backup plan just in case storms spoil the fun, you do not want to be caught outside trick-or-treating during a thunderstorm.”
Pastelok said there is a lower risk of showers and storms on Halloween to the north in the Ohio Valley and Great Lakes regions.
“Be ready for spotty showers in areas like Chicago, Detroit and Cleveland,” Pastelok said.
Ideal Trick-or-Treating Weather in the Midwest & Plains
The forecast for Halloween across much of the central U.S. will be dry and delightful this year.
“Halloween will be an absolute treat across the middle of the country. Kids won’t have to bundle up for any rain or bitter cold,” said Pastelok. “We’re looking at ideal trick-or-treating weather for families in Minneapolis, Kansas City, all the way down to West Texas.”
Chilly Temperatures in parts of the West
AccuWeather is forecasting a zone of cooler temperatures creeping into parts of northern and central California, Nevada, Utah, northern Arizona, northwestern New Mexico, and western Colorado.
“It could get downright chilly for families trick-or-treating in the Rockies,” said Pastelok.
AccuWeather is forecasting high temperatures in the 70s in Las Vegas, the 60s in San Francisco and the 50s in Salt Lake City.
Sloppy Mix of Rain & Snow in the Northwest
The trickiest Halloween weather is expected in parts of the Northwest this year. AccuWeather is forecasting a mix of rain and mountain snow in parts of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.
“We expect a storm to move through the Northwest and dive into parts of the central Rockies around Halloween. Families need to be prepared for rain and even some mountain snow,” Pastelok said. “Don’t expect to see much snow unless you’re out trick-or-treating in elevations above 2,000 feet. That could get tricky and slippery in spots.”
AccuWeather is forecasting high temperatures on Halloween in the 50s in Seattle and Portland, and in the 40s in Boise and Billings.
Heightened Risk of Wildfires Next Week
AccuWeather expert meteorologists are urging people in areas with abnormally dry or drought conditions to use extreme caution with any decorations with open flames, candles, campfires or bonfires next week.
