Afternoon Showers and Storms Set the Stage for a Beautiful Weekend.

Good morning everyone! After last night’s severe weather in some areas, we are experiencing calm and windy weather across the region this morning.

The low-pressure system that caused yesterday’s severe weather has moved to the Great Lakes Region this morning. Another short wave is expected to pass through the region this afternoon and early tonight, bringing more showers and thunderstorms. However, it’s not expected to cause any severe weather as the dynamics have shifted off the coast.

Clouds will increase this afternoon from the northwest. Showers and a few thunderstorms will move into the mountains between 3 pm and 5 pm. As these showers and storms move east off the Blue Ridge, they will likely break apart and become more scattered in nature. These showers and storms will move into the foothills between 4 pm and 6 pm and the northwest Piedmont areas between 5 pm and 7 pm. These passing cells will mainly bring some more rain, but a few rumbles of thunder are possible. The Thunderstorm Fuel, known as CAPE, is only around 250 j/kg today. The upper-level trough left behind in the wake of the passing low and attendant shortwave today will continue to allow gusty winds through midday Saturday.

Below: Upper level wind pattern showing the trough cut out over the eastern 2/3rds of the US.

Get ready for a delightful weekend! Saturday will be very pleasant, with temperatures reaching around 70° in the western foothills and the low 70s in the eastern and southern foothills. There will hardly be a cloud in the sky. Sunday will be much of the same, with temperatures rising into the upper 70s to around 80°. It’s going to be a picture-perfect day.

The warmest day in the coming week will be Monday, with temperatures reaching the low 80s. As the next weather system moves towards the area, there may be a few clouds. Some models predict a few showers in the afternoon on Monday, but I think that it may be overestimated, so I will keep the forecast dry.

The weather pattern is expected to remain quiet from Tuesday through Friday due to the influence of high pressure in our area. Although a shortwave may pass to our northwest on Wednesday, there may be only a sprinkle or a shower. Overall, we expect dry and mild weather throughout the forecast period until Friday of next week.