Saturday Weather Discussion: Scattered Storms Could Produce Isolated Severe Wind Gusts This Afternoon

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Warm and Stormy Weekend Ahead

Spring-like weather has arrived early across western North Carolina this weekend. Warm air moving north from the Gulf of Mexico is pushing temperatures into the mid- and upper 70s today, much warmer than we normally see in early March. That warmth will also help fuel scattered thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.

When Storms Are Most Likely

Storms will not happen all day. Instead, they will develop mainly during the afternoon and evening hours. Here is a current breakdown of how we expect the day to setup.

Morning: Mostly quiet with only a few isolated showers.

Early Afternoon: A few storms may start developing near the mountains.

Late Afternoon into Evening: This is when the best chance for storms occurs as they move east across the foothills.

Severe Weather Risk

Today also marks the first severe weather risk of the spring season, but the risk level remains low. A few storms could briefly become strong and produce:

• Gusty winds
• Small hail
• Heavy rain
• Lightning

However, most storms should remain below severe limits with only isolated instances of damaging winds.

Sunday

Another round of scattered showers and thunderstorms is expected Sunday afternoon. Rain chances increase slightly compared to today, and temperatures will be a little cooler but still warm with highs around 70 degrees.

Next Week

The start of next week will be quieter. Monday and Tuesday: Mostly dry with warm temperatures in the 70s. Another weather system arrives midweek, bringing more rain and possibly gusty winds.

Big Temperature Drop Late Week

After the midweek system moves through, cooler air will return. High temperatures on Friday may only reach the upper 40s to near 50 degrees, which will feel much colder compared to the warmth this weekend.