A few storms and then another taste of autumn

Today - Sunday - the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has much of the eastern half of Virginia under a Slight Risk (level 2 of 5) for severe weather:

The triggering mechanism for storms will be a cold front crossing the Appalachian mountains today, reaching Mecklenburg county near sunset (which occurs at 8:02 p.m.). Ahead of this boundary dew points will remain in the sticky 70s under increasingly cloudy skies. 

Temperatures will top out in the mid-80s today, with storms likely anytime from mid-afternoon onward. Besides the always dangerous lightning ("When Thunder Roars Go Indoors") the main threats will be from strong straight-line winds and heavy rain. Expect those storms to continue until near midnight.

Monday's weather looks similar with temperatures beginning the day in the upper 60s. Morning sunshine will again give way to increasing afternoon clouds as an upper air disturbance crosses the Old Dominion. The SPC has assigned a Marginal Risk - level 1 of 5 - to the area tomorrow, with a few strong to severe storms possible. Highs tomorrow will again be in the mid-80s.

The remainder of the week then looks to bring another autumn preview. Cooler and drier air will prevail, with highs Tuesday and Wednesday which may not even reach 80 degrees(!). A gradual warmup will nudge temperatures back into the mid-80s by next Saturday. Enjoy!