Soggy conditions continue while keeping an eye on Helene

This - Wednesday - morning the stalled warm front which enhanced rainfall across Mecklenburg county has finally pushed northward, allowing southerly winds to usher in pretty sticky air. Twenty-four hour rain totals of 2.34", 2.24", 1.64", and 1.61" were recorded respectively at Clarksville, Chase City, Boydton, and South Hill. That same boundary also created sufficient low level wind shear to spin up a tornado warning on a storm crossing Henry county into Pittsylvania county last evening.

Today will continue to feature mostly cloudy skies, although an afternoon peek at the sun isn't out of the question. Rain chances are lower today than on Tuesday, but a few showers and thunderstorms are possible today and tonight. With the warmer air invading the area high temperatures this afternoon will climb into the low 80s. Coupled with dew points near 70 degrees the outdoors will resemble a sauna.

Thursday's weather looks to be a carbon copy of today's, with similar temperatures and rain chances. All eyes will then be on the exact track of Tropical Storm Helene, which is forecast to become a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) in the Gulf of Mexico tomorrow. Here's the latest track forecast from the National Hurricane Center:

The swath of rain from this tropical cyclone will be impressive as it interacts with an existing cold front:

The cutoff of precipitation totals will be very sharp. At the moment the National Weather Service Wakefield office is expecting up to an inch and half of rain between this morning and Saturday. Should Helene's actual track be a couple of counties further east those totals could be much higher. Stay tuned to local weather sources for any changes.