End of April = beginning of summer-like conditions

March and most of April has been stuck under a cooler-than-average weather pattern, so Mecklenburg county folks awaiting the warm season have had to be patient. Well, as of today (Sunday) that patience is no longer needed. The warmth has arrived!

Temperatures around the county began this morning in the mid- and upper 50s. Dew points weren't far behind, evidence that humidity levels are also on the rise. High pressure parked off the Southeast coast is pumping warm moist air into the area via southwesterly breezes. The result will be afternoon highs in the 80s not only today, but throughout the upcoming work week.

Typically this warmer pattern also results in more showers and thunderstorms this time of year. However, that won't be the case much of this week. Except for some scattered precipitation midweek the skies look clear for quite a ways ahead. That's not necessarily a good thing since the area is becoming very dry as illustrated in the latest Drought Monitor (Mecklenburg county is at the black star):

Meanwhile it may be time to pull out the shorts and flip-flops and begin the household discussions about whether/when to turn on the air conditioners. Hot and humid weather is on the doorstep!