Sticky heat and severe storms for the midweek period

Following yesterday's northward retreat of a stubborn stationary front, this (Wednesday) morning's dew points across Mecklenburg County registered in the low to mid-70s. That's tropical level stickiness! The high moisture content of the air will combine with today's high temperatures around 90º to boost the heat index into the upper 90s this afternoon. The only weather factor to partially alleviate the misery will be a brisk southwesterly wind gusting up to 20 mph today.

Much of Thursday looks to be a "rinse and repeat" day, with continued soggy air, gusty southwest winds, and temperatures which will top out in the mid-90s. Then, late tomorrow afternoon showers and possibly severe storms will reach the county ahead of a strong cold front plowing into this hot and sticky air mass. Potential threats from any storms - in addition to lightning and heavy rain - include damaging straight line winds and large hail. Folks should keep close at hand at least two sources of weather information, taking shelter in a sturdy building if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued locally.

Behind this next cold front somewhat drier air will move in, lowering temperatures and dew points to seasonable values for the end of the work week. However, more humidity and above average temperatures will arrive over the weekend. A stretch of mid- to upper 90s looks to invade the area by Sunday. This forecast graphic from the Weather Prediction Center shows the heat progressing across the eastern half of the lower 48 states (and even over interior Alaska!):

Friday's blog post will take a closer look at the weekend's weather. Meanwhile, keep an eye to the sky Thursday afternoon. Remember, "When Thunder Roars, Head Indoors".