World and Nation

A Calmer Halloween

A Calmer Halloween

This year, the New England region will enjoy relatively mild weather on Halloween, with sunny skies and temperatures in the high 50s.

The same could not be said in 1991, however, when a massive, extratropical low pressure system off the United States’ East Coast caused widespread damage. The low formed inland in late October 1991, and after moving into the Atlantic Ocean and absorbing a pre-existing hurricane, it became a massive Nor’easter. After pounding the East Coast with pouring rain and gusty winds, the storm actually formed a category 1 hurricane and eventually made landfall in Nova Scotia, Canada as a tropical storm.

In all, the Halloween Nor’easter of 1991 caused over $200 million in damage and resulted in 12 fatalities. The tremendous storm was the basis for the Sebastian Junger book The Perfect Storm and the movie of the same name.

Don’t expect weekend sailing to be an especially dangerous activity this Halloween, however, as a couple of clear, crisp autumn days are in store for the near future. High pressure in place will result in clear skies and high temperatures in the 50s for today and tomorrow, with lows around 40. We will also manage to stay dry, as no appreciable precipitation is expected over the weekend.

Extended Forecast

Tonight: Clear, Low 40°F (4°C)

Saturday: Morning clouds, High 52°F (11°C)

Sunday: Sunny, Highs in the mid 40s°F (8°C)

Monday: Mostly sunny, Highs in the mid 50s°F (13°C)