Milder conditions are in place with rain on the way

This Wednesday morning's temperatures across Virginia are topsy-turvy by December standards. Local thermometers are exhibiting readings in the low 30s while many stations along and west of the Blue Ridge are registering in the low to mid-40s. The reason? Clouds hovered across the mountains last night, acting as a blanket to mitigate overnight cooling.

Meanwhile skies remained clear over Mecklenburg County, allowing yesterday's warmth to efficiently radiate into space. However, today will warm up quickly under partly sunny skies and with southwesterly breezes pumping in milder air. Afternoon highs will top out in the mid-50s, readings that are slightly above the average for this date.

Thursday will feature mostly cloudy conditions with rain expected after the lunch hour. As a cold front approaches from the west a coastal warm front will move westward across the Piedmont. The temperature and humidity contrast associated with the different air masses will squeeze out decent rainfall totals through lunchtime Friday: 

There is even a chance of a few rumbles of thunder Thursday afternoon, with temperatures again topping out in the mid-50s.

The last weekend before Christmas then looks to be clear and mild. Friday's blogpost will take a closer look at those conditions.