Spring has sprung but the warmth has receded

Happy Spring! The equinox occurred at 11:06 p.m. Tuesday night, so today - Wednesday - is the first full day of astronomical spring. However, the mildness and warmth that Mecklenburg county enjoyed last week has retreated northward and left behind...well, spring-like weather. 

This morning's temperatures bottomed out in the low to mid-30s around the county. And while afternoon highs will top out in the upper 60s, those readings will be accompanied by vigorous winds gusting to near 30 mph. A dry cold front will cross the region this afternoon, bringing even less humid air than is in place this morning. The additional dryness will exacerbate the fire danger as indicated in this NWS map:

The pink shading indicates a Red Flag Warning which is in effect from 10 o'clock this morning until 8 p.m. this evening. The overall meaning? DON'T BURN anything! Fire can spread uncontrollably in these arid and windy conditions.

Winds will subside after sunset this evening, with Thursday looking much calmer. Tomorrow morning will dawn with local thermometers registering lows again in the mid-30s. Under sunny skies Thursday afternoon temperatures will top out near 60, a couple degrees under the average for the date. 

Friday will bring a change in the dry conditions as a storm system approaches from the southwest. After another chilly start in the mid-30s clouds will move in after lunch, with showers possible by dinner time. Rain looks to continue through much of Saturday, with over an inch of liquid possible. Friday's Weather Blog post will take a closer look at the overall forecast for the weekend.