Warming lake waters but a somewhat stormy weekend ahead

With the onset of summer-like temperatures (finally!) the waters of Buggs Island Lake / Kerr Reservoir have warmed into the 60s:

That and a complete elimination of local drought conditions in the latest Drought Monitor is good news, especially for boaters and fisherfolk. The not-so-good news for this first full weekend of June is that Mecklenburg County can expect strong to severe storms at times during both weekend days.

First, a peek at Friday morning conditions indicates a fair amount of fog around the county. As this is being written the airport in Clarksville is showing air and dew point temperatures to be equal at 66º, a recipe for fogginess. That murkiness will mix out - not "burn off" - as the day's warming process stirs the lower atmosphere, and today will turn out mostly sunny with afternoon highs in the upper 80s.

Saturday then looks to begin muggy with morning showers. Per the Storm Prediction Center the county will be under a Slight Risk (level 2 of 5) for severe storms tomorrow, with the main threat being damaging straight line winds, heavy rain, and always dangerous lightning anytime from mid-afternoon onward. Temperatures will top out in the upper 80s.

A cold front will cross the Appalachians and eventually pass through the county on Sunday. That will bring cloudier skies and morning showers followed by afternoon storminess. Temperatures will start the day in the upper 60s, climbing into the mid-80s before the storms arrive. 

It would be a good idea to keep at least two weather warning sources close at hand over the weekend. (Remember, a warning means severe weather is ongoing, while a watch means it's possible.) Take shelter inside a sturdy building any time thunder is audible, as lightning can strike unexpectedly even if a storm is miles away from a location. "When Thunder Roars, Head Indoors" is a good NOAA safety slogan.