An addition to midsummer conditions: wildfire smoke

This (Wednesday) morning's sunrise was tinted more orange than normal thanks to wildfire smoke aloft in the atmosphere. This color satellite loop shows a band of smoke draped from the Midwestern states southeast across Virginia and out over the Atlantic:

The smoke is from wildfires burning across the Canadian province of Ontario. It is being lofted into the upper air and is then being pushed south along the edge of a high pressure system. For the next couple of days the smoke looks to remain overhead, but it will eventually mix down to the surface. Expect a smoky smell by Friday to accompany colorful sunrises and sunsets and lead to a reduction in air quality.

This morning began with temperatures in the low to mid-60s across Mecklenburg County. Despite forecast highs in the mid-90s this afternoon, the dew points will remain in the relatively comfortable range. Thus the "stickiness factor" won't be too bad today. Tomorrow both temperatures and dew points will be higher so expect more uncomfortable conditions. 

That said, the high temperature forecasts in the upper 90s for the latter half of this week could be a bit high. That wildfire smoke may block enough sunlight to reduce those daily highs by a few degrees. The numerical weather forecast models don't always account for such limitations. However, high humidity levels will still be a factor.

Monday showers and clear skies Tuesday

The weekend's "cold" front is still near enough to keep clouds and showers sticking around today (Monday). Another tenth to a quarter-inch of liquid is forecast to collect in Mecklenburg County rain gauges today, with a couple of localities possibly seeing more from scattered thunderstorms. An easterly breeze plus the overcast skies will keep temperatures in the low 80s this afternoon.

Tuesday will begin with clearing skies and a sunrise temperature in the mid-60s. Tomorrow looks like the bonus day of the work week with typical July afternoon highs in the upper 80s. Dew points will be lower than today, and thus the humidity levels will be more comfortable.

Meanwhile, the Buggs Island / Kerr Lake water level remains much lower than the past couple of summers. This graphic compares this year's levels (blue shade) with those of 2024 and 2025:

Upcoming weather conditions the rest of this work week won't boost these numbers, with dry weather and increasing heat on the way. Mecklenburg County could even see a return to triple digit temperatures later this week. Stay tuned!

More showers and cool conditions to begin the week, then the heat returns

A backdoor cold front slid south through Mecklenburg County Saturday and is now parked near the I-40 corridor in North Carolina. Overcast skies, showers, and a northerly breeze will keep today's - Sunday's - high temperatures down to the low 80s. The clouds will linger throughout tonight, with rain chances remaining likely. A few rumbles of thunder may roll through the area as well.

Monday will begin the work week with more clouds, showers, and storms. Tomorrow will be much cooler than the average 90º for mid-July, with afternoon highs topping out only in the mid- to upper 70s. Rain chances will begin to dwindle during the evening hours, and Tuesday then looks to be sunny and pleasant with highs in the mid-80s as a high pressure system takes charge.

During the latter half of the week summertime heat will build back into the region. Afternoon highs in the 90s will accompany the sunny skies fostered by that high pressure. This graphic shows the anticipated weather hazards for the late week across the country:

In addition to the hazardous heat shading, note the indication of severe weather on Friday for this area. That's pretty far ahead of time, which indicates a strong concern for a setup which could produce severe storms. We'll keep an eye on that as the week progresses.

A showery weekend lies ahead

This current stretch of daily chances of rain would seem to help with the ongoing drought conditions. Unfortunately the scattered showers and storms haven't provided enough liquid to make much of a dent in the situation. In addition to the latest Drought Monitor showing Mecklenburg (among other Virginia counties) under an Extreme Drought, this graphic also emphasizes the dryness as water levels continue to dwindle:

The showers and storms will continue marching across the state today - Friday - through the weekend. However, liquid totals will be spotty with perhaps a half-inch up to an inch collected in local rain gauges by Sunday evening.

After another warm and muggy start in the 70s, today's temperatures will climb into the low 90s ahead of more anticipated storminess. The Storm Prediction Center has the county under yet another Marginal Risk - level 1 of 5 - for severe weather, with straight line damaging winds the main threat. Storms could arrive anytime after mid-afternoon, so be alert to changing weather conditions.

By dinnertime Saturday a weak cold front will push south of the area and help fire up more storminess. Tomorrow's afternoon highs will climb to near the 90º mark, with skies remaining at least partly sunny before the rain arrives late afternoon. Clouds and precipitation will then stick around tomorrow night through most of Sunday.

Between the clouds, some rain, and the slightly cooler air behind the boundary, Sunday's temperatures are likely to top out only in the low 80s. That's several degrees below mid-July averages, so enjoy the brief break in the heat. Next week looks to reintroduce the heat!

Sticky, warm, and showery conditions for midweek

July weather is typically hot and sticky, and this week is no exception. A good way to guess how sticky the air is (besides stepping outdoors!) is to check the morning low temperatures. When they don't drop below the 70º mark it's pretty obvious that day will be humid. That's the case today - Wednesday - and will be the same tomorrow.

As far as the showery part goes, Tuesday's random showers and storms mostly missed Mecklenburg County. That said, many localities saw some rain on Monday. Here's the 48 hour precipitation total beginning Monday morning with the four county sites labeled with blue initials:

A backdoor front has slipped south into North Carolina but is still nearby, thus resulting in more clouds than sun today. Temperatures this afternoon look to top out in the upper 80s, and more showers and storms are possible. A couple of storms may bring damaging winds along with downpours, so be alert for any weather warnings that might be issued.

Thursday will be a bit warmer with highs in the low 90s. Showers and storms will be less likely than today, but a couple of sites could see some rain. All in all this is a good example of early July weather. 

Typical hot, sticky, and stormy conditions to begin the first full week of July

The early July heat wave has subsided, but don't expect the outdoors to feel comfortable. The lower atmosphere is absolutely loaded with moisture, exemplified by this - Monday - morning's very sticky dew points across Mecklenburg County. Temperatures today and Tuesday will top out in the low to mid-90s after morning lows in the 70s.

Given plenty of sunshine, plus leftover outflow boundaries from weekend storms, this sticky air mass will lead to more showers and storms today and tomorrow. In fact, the National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch through midnight tonight. Showers and storms which do form will move at a snail's pace, given that the jet stream (the steering mechanism) is still well north into Canada. 

As a result of the potential for more storms, the Storm Prediction Center has the county under a Marginal Risk - level 1 of 5 - for severe weather both Monday and Tuesday. (UPDATE: Monday has been upgraded to level 2 of 5.) The chief threat will be strong damaging straight line winds accompanied by the always concerning lightning threat. Forecast rain totals over the next 72 hours could help settle the dust from the ongoing dryness, but it'll take a lot more moisture than this to break the drought.

Keep eyes and ears open for any weather warnings (remember, a "warning" means it's actually occurring!) that may be issued. And be sure to take shelter inside a vehicle or a building if lightning is nearby. "When Thunder Roars, Head Indoors" is a good safety reminder.

A return to "normal" summer weather this week

Today - Sunday - the area is under yet another Heat Advisory from noon to 8:00 p.m. this evening:

Heat indices will again reach the triple digits while air temperatures around Mecklenburg County top out in the upper 90s. The good news? The excessive heat has just about played itself out as the "heat dome" across the Eastern U.S. is slowly breaking down.

Typical summer weather will be on tap for the upcoming work week. Afternoon highs look to be mostly in the low 90s, with afternoon showers and thunderstorms likely. The main threats from any storms this week will be strong straight line winds, lightning, and some localized flooding during heavy downpours. A couple of "cold" fronts will push through the region this week, helping trigger those storms.

Meanwhile, welcome back to "normal" summer in Mecklenburg County!