Attention Carolinians! This summer’s heat wave is on the way, with temperatures expected to reach the upper 90s. Stay hydrated, stay cool, and stay safe. Remember to check on elderly family members and neighbors who may not have adequate cooling.
Author Archives: wxchristopher
Heat Builds This Week, But a Historic Heat Wave Is Looking Less Likely
The Foothills are bracing for an intense heat wave this week as a strong high-pressure ridge sweeps in, with temperatures climbing into the upper 90s. While the forecast suggests lower humidity, it’s still crucial to take precautions like staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, and never leaving pets or children in parked vehicles.
Dangerous Heat Building This Week as Storm Chances Shift Back to the Mountains
Prepare for a scorching heat wave as temperatures soar into the mid-90s and potentially hit 100 degrees.
Tropics Begin to Wake Up Off the Southeast Coast
After a quiet start to the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, the tropics are finally showing signs of life just off the Southeast coast. The National Hurricane Center is monitoring an area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms located near the North Carolina coast. While this is not currently a tropical cyclone, we expect a broad areaContinue reading “Tropics Begin to Wake Up Off the Southeast Coast”
Saturday’s Severe Thunderstorms Leave Trail of Wind Damage Across Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, and Alexander Counties.
Yesterday morning, we highlighted the potential for damaging thunderstorms across the Foothills, and unfortunately, the atmosphere delivered. By around 2:15 PM, thunderstorms began developing over the mountains ahead of a mid-level disturbance moving east across western North Carolina. Initially, these were individual cells, but they quickly intensified as they encountered an increasingly unstable atmosphere. AroundContinue reading “Saturday’s Severe Thunderstorms Leave Trail of Wind Damage Across Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, and Alexander Counties.”
Dangerous Heat and Humidity Build. Isolated Severe Weather Sunday.
Good Saturday evening! If you’ve stepped outside today, you’ve probably noticed one thing…it’s turned downright summer-like. The heat and humidity have settled in, and that pattern isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. We’ll continue dealing with hot afternoons, muggy nights, and the daily chance for showers and thunderstorms through the rest of the weekend and intoContinue reading “Dangerous Heat and Humidity Build. Isolated Severe Weather Sunday.”
Severe Thunderstorms Possible Today; MCS Setup Over Next Few Days Under Ring of Fire.
Today is shaping up to be another active weather day across the Foothills and western North Carolina, with scattered showers and thunderstorms developing through the afternoon and evening. While not everyone will see severe weather, a few storms could become strong enough to produce damaging wind gusts, especially between 2 PM and midnight. Some locationsContinue reading “Severe Thunderstorms Possible Today; MCS Setup Over Next Few Days Under Ring of Fire.”
Showers and Storms Return: Derecho for Western NC Saturday?
Stay updated on the weather forecast for the foothills of western North Carolina. Expect scattered showers and thunderstorms starting Friday afternoon, with the potential for stronger storms on Saturday. Stay dry and prepared for the hot, muggy weather ahead.
Why Stage 2 Water Restrictions Are Still in Place — Even With Full Lakes
If you’ve looked out over Lake James or other parts of the Catawba River Basin lately, you might be scratching your head a bit.Water levels look normal. In some spots, they even look great. So why are Stage 2 water restrictions still in place? It’s a fair question — and one a lot of peopleContinue reading “Why Stage 2 Water Restrictions Are Still in Place — Even With Full Lakes”
Continued Rain Probabilities, Minimal Severe Storm Risk, and Uncertain Weekend Forecast
Monday began with widespread cloud cover, particularly persistent near the Blue Ridge. By mid-afternoon, most regions experienced a return to sunshine. The early portion of the next two days is expected to be active meteorologically. A low-pressure system over the Great Lakes will move a trailing cold front across the region early Tuesday. Widespread rainfallContinue reading “Continued Rain Probabilities, Minimal Severe Storm Risk, and Uncertain Weekend Forecast”