US Midterm Election Day forecast: Storm threatens to dampen voter turnout in key states

Rain could affect voter turnout in parts of the central United States on midterm election day, as a storm threatens to bring wet and windy weather to several states with key races. More than 35 million people have already voted early, but those heading to polling stations on Tuesday may face rain depending on the storm’s path.Multiple studies cited by CNN have found that rain and bad weather tend to keep voters away from polling stations, while sunshine has the opposite effect. The extent of the impact will depend on which areas receive rainfall.The storm could bring rain from parts of the Great Lakes and Upper Midwest to the western Gulf Coast. However, its exact path remains uncertain, with some areas potentially staying dry while others could experience steady rain or passing showers. Gusty winds are possible across the Midwest and Plains, while strong thunderstorms could develop along the storm’s southern side.Much of the East Coast and the western United States is expected to remain dry. However, coastal areas of the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast could see light showers.Most of the eastern half of the country is forecast to experience temperatures 5 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit above average. The Southwest is expected to see slightly cooler-than-average temperatures.The forecasts could change as meteorologists gain more confidence in the storm’s path by the weekend.State-wise Election Day weather forecastGeorgia and North Carolina: Both states are likely to remain dry. Highs in Georgia are expected to reach the 70s and low 80s, while North Carolina could see temperatures in the 70s.Iowa and Kansas: Iowa is likely to receive rain for at least part of Tuesday, although showers could move out by early morning. Highs are forecast to reach the 50s and low 60s. In Kansas, rain is likely in some areas, but its location and amount remain uncertain. Temperatures could range from the 50s to the 60s.Michigan: Forecast models differ considerably, with some predicting widespread rain and others suggesting only light showers in western Michigan or the Upper Peninsula. Highs could range from the 40s and 50s in the Upper Peninsula to the 60s in southern Lower Michigan.Ohio: Most forecast models keep rain west of the state, although wet weather remains possible. Highs are expected to reach the 60s.Maine and New Hampshire: Both states are likely to remain dry. Maine could see highs in the 40s and lower 50s, while New Hampshire is forecast to experience temperatures in the 40s and 50s.Texas: The eastern half of the state, particularly areas along and east of Interstate 35, has the highest chance of rain. Thunderstorms are also possible. Highs could reach the 80s near the coast and the 60s in the Panhandle.The storm’s final path will determine which states face rain, strong winds and possible thunderstorms on Election Day.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.