Friday Brings a Better Chance for Strong Storms Across the Foothills. A Weekend Outlook

Summer isn’t going anywhere just yet. We’ll stay hot and humid through Saturday, but the biggest change in the forecast is an increasing chance for stronger thunderstorms beginning Friday afternoon and continuing through the weekend.

The Storm Prediction Center has expanded the Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 5) for severe thunderstorms into much of our area Friday, signaling that a few storms could become strong enough to produce damaging wind gusts. While not everyone will see severe weather, it’s a trend we’ll be watching closely. 

Hot, Humid, But Not Extreme

Temperatures will continue running several degrees above average Friday and Saturday, with afternoon highs climbing into the lower to middle 90s across much of the Foothills. When you factor in the humidity, it will certainly feel like summer, but current forecasts keep heat index values just below Heat Advisory criteria.

If you’ll be spending time outdoors, especially during the afternoon, be sure to:

• Stay hydrated.
• Take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning.
• Never leave children or pets inside a parked vehicle.

Storm Chances Increase Friday and This Weekend

Scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms remain the forecast each day, but confidence is growing that the atmosphere will become more favorable for stronger storms Friday into Saturday.

Several disturbances moving in from the Midwest could leave behind boundaries that act as a focus for thunderstorm development. If enough sunshine develops during the day, the atmosphere should become unstable enough to support stronger storms capable of producing:

• Damaging straight-line winds
• Frequent lightning
• Torrential rainfall
• Small hail in a few stronger cells

Not everyone will experience severe weather, but any storm that develops will have the potential to intensify quickly.

Heavy Rain Becomes the Bigger Concern

By Sunday and into early next week, a cold front is expected to settle south into the Carolinas. As that happens, temperatures should ease back closer to normal while rain chances increase.

The concern will gradually shift away from severe winds and toward heavy rainfall. With abundant moisture in place and repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms possible, localized flash flooding—especially in the mountains and along the Blue Ridge Escarpment—could become an increasing concern through early next week.

Looking Ahead

After the front moves through, temperatures are expected to cool to near or even slightly below average for a few days before typical July heat gradually returns later next week.

We’ll continue monitoring Friday’s severe weather potential and provide updates as confidence increases on timing and storm coverage. As always, have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, especially if you have outdoor plans this weekend.