Severe Weather Awareness Week ends on a warming note

Today - Friday - marks the end of Virginia's Severe Weather Awareness Week. Many folks are much more interested in (or disgusted with!) wintry weather, but severe weather is more common and dangerous in these parts than people realize. Lightning is a threat from thunderstorms that should be heeded more than it is. This video is from today's severe weather emphasis on outdoor safety:

After very warm conditions earlier this week the weather took quite a turn behind Thursday's cold front. This graphic shows the jaw-dropping temperature changes from Wednesday to yesterday:

This morning's thermometer readings around Mecklenburg County sagged into the upper 20s. Fortunately today will bring a warmup as high pressure moves off the East Coast. Gusty southerly winds will pump warmer air into the area, and afternoon highs will climb back into the upper 50s. That's still a bit below average for the date, but strong March sunshine will make up the difference.

The weekend will feature a split weather personality. After a weak cold front passes through tomorrow morning Saturday will be sunny, with afternoon highs reaching the low 60s. As that boundary pushes south into the Carolinas another cold air damming wedge will be in place on Sunday. That will bring clouds, easterly winds, and temperatures likely to top out near 60º (vs. the official forecast high near 70º). Showers are likely Sunday afternoon and evening.

Another strong cold front on Monday could foster severe weather, so this week's emphasis on it could prove prescient. Stay tuned!