Pattern change!

The unusually dry weather around Mecklenburg County is about to take a turn toward dampness. A long lasting upper air ridge across the eastern U.S. is shifting off the coast, allowing its opposite number - a trough - to take hold. This pattern change will result in an extended period of clouds and showers in the local forecast.

This Wednesday morning began with temperatures sagging only into the mid- and upper 60s, with dew points remaining in the sticky range. Thus, this afternoon's high temperature in the upper 80s will make it feel more like a typical August day rather than late September. Today's sunshine will filter through high clouds for a partly to mostly sunny outlook.

Showers will begin to dot the local map tonight as a surface cold front approaches the Appalachians. Temperatures will begin Thursday morning near 70º before topping out in the mid-80s tomorrow afternoon. Showers and thunderstorms will become more likely as the day progresses, with most of Virginia under a Marginal Risk - level 1 of 5 - for severe weather per the Storm Prediction Center. The aforementioned front will cross the county early Friday.

The clouds and precipitation look to continue through the weekend into next week. Meanwhile, the Atlantic tropical season has kicked into a higher gear. Hurricane Gabrielle is moving off toward Europe, but a couple of potential named storms are moving westward:

Whether or how either of these two new systems will affect local weather is still to be determined. Keep checking the National Hurricane Center site for updates.