A stagnant weather pattern will lead to a damp week

The current weather pattern won't change much anytime soon. The jet stream - the chief steering current - has taken its annual summer vacation up into Canada, so weather systems affecting Mecklenburg County move at a snails' pace. "Cold" fronts approaching the region will stall and dissipate, not bringing much - if any - relief from the stickiness.

Thanks to the hot and moist conditions the resulting instability will foster showers and storms which will punctuate afternoons and evenings this week. This graphic shows the total precipitation forecast across the Mid-Atlantic region over the next seven days:

Flooding could become a concern so be mindful of covered roadways and rising water levels. Temperatures will be pretty typical for July, with morning readings in the low 70s giving way to afternoon highs around the 90º mark. Friday looks like the warmest day of the work week, with temperatures approaching the mid-90s.

Due to personal commitments new blog entries will be scarce this week. Anything significant weather-wise might justify a short post, but otherwise check the National Weather Service forecast out of Wakefield. Oh, and keep those weather warning sources (NOAA weather radio, smartphone apps, local TV/radio, etc) handy!