Lots of rain is on the way

Much needed rainfall has already arrived in Mecklenburg County this Monday morning. An outer band swirling around a large upper level low pressure atop the Gulf states is ushering in this first round of precipitation locally. Today will thus be cloudy and damp, with temperatures only climbing from this morning's low 60s into the low 70s by the afternoon.

Tuesday's conditions look like a clone of today's, with more rain, clouds, and a similar temperature range. Flood Watches are in effect west and south of the county, but with 2+ inches of rain expected it wouldn't be surprising if such a watch was issued locally. NOAA's Excessive Rainfall outlooks for Monday and Tuesday hint at that:

There will be enough atmospheric instability to result in scattered rumbles of thunder today through Tuesday, but no severe weather is anticipated. 

As that upper level low slowly moves north and east during the next 48 hours it will weaken. As a result Wednesday looks to feature less widespread steady rain, but with warmer temperatures and higher thunderstorm potential. Meanwhile, folks should be wary of water ponding on roadways during the more intense rainfall periods. Creeks and streams could fill up and overflow as well.