Tropical troubles will mean a wet start to the week

Remember the last blogpost mentioning that the weekend would be sunny and dry? The remnants of Tropical Storm Chantal are saying "No!" to that forecast. This system, which developed just off the southeastern U.S. coastline, came ashore this Sunday morning near Myrtle Beach SC. It has already pushed inland, with the center of circulation over southern North Carolina as this is being written.

As a result today's forecast for Mecklenburg County has changed (it's important to periodically check forecasts!). Now, folks can expect showers and thunderstorms beginning just after the lunch hour. Clouds associated with this system will hold down high temperatures this afternoon to the mid-80s, but humidity levels will be oppressive. Dew points will be in the low to mid-70s as that tropical air spills into the region.

Speaking of rainfall, here's the official 72 hour National Weather Service outlook:

However, Chantal's remnant center of circulation looks to track directly across Mecklenburg County during the wee hours of Monday. This could drastically increase the above totals. Just next door Halifax County is under a Flood Watch, and that could be extended eastward. Folks on Monday morning should be aware of ponding water on roads and rapid water level rises in typical flash flooding areas.

The potential for showers and storms will continue all week. Tuesday and Wednesday look like the only days in which sunshine will prevail through the morning and early afternoon hours before precipitation arrives. High temperatures both those days will rise into the low to mid-90s, while the rest of the week will be slightly cooler courtesy of cloudy skies. Humidity levels, however, will remain at the "gross" level, with no cold fronts due into the area to sweep away the stickiness.

Summer weather is firmly in control!