A slight Wednesday bump in the road for perfect weather

Nature is always capable of hiding a fly in the forecast ointment, and that's what is happening today (Wednesday). The low pressure center which was expected to form along an old cold front along the coast strengthened a bit more than was foreseen. As a result it threw clouds and even some showers into  Mecklenburg County overnight.

Overcast skies cover the eastern two-thirds of Virginia this morning, providing a good illustration of how clouds can hold in the previous day's warmth and thus prop up overnight temperatures. This image is the visible satellite view as of 7:46 am: 

Note the cloud line with clear skies basically west of the Blue Ridge. Now, check out these morning low temperature readings:

While thermometers around Mecklenburg County registered lows in the 60s sites west of the Blue Ridge dropped into the 40s(!).

Locally today looks to be remain mostly cloudy and cool, with a northerly breeze thanks to the counter-clockwise air circulation around that low pressure offshore. Temperatures won't rise much, topping out in the upper 60s to near 70º this afternoon. Any precipitation which hangs around will be light, likely in the form of an annoying drizzle.

Thursday will bring brighter conditions as that low pressure pulls away over the Atlantic. Skies will begin the day mostly cloudy, but will turn partly sunny during the afternoon hours. Morning low temperatures near 60 degrees will warm into the mid- and upper 70s tomorrow afternoon.

The weekend looks to be warmer and sunnier than today, with highs at or near 80º. More details on those conditions will be forthcoming in Friday's blogpost.