Stairstep air temperatures lead to a hot ending for the weekend!

This - Friday - morning most Mecklenburg County thermometers registered lows in the mid-40s. Under sunny skies and relatively dry air those readings will soar into the mid-70s this afternoon. That's still a few degrees below average for mid-May, but it'll be a glorious spring day nonetheless.

High pressure is centered across the eastern U.S. today. As it moves off the coast tonight, the clockwise circulation of air around the center will turn winds around out of the south, Warmer air will thus move in, with Saturday beginning with temperatures in the mid-50s before rising to afternoon highs in the mid-80s. Sunday looks to be even warmer, with morning lows in the 60s leading to afternoon temperatures climbing into the low 90s(!).

Under clear skies and with dry weather the waters of Buggs Island / Kerr Reservoir will be very inviting this weekend. Keep in mind that the water temperatures are still rather chilly. These readings are from the vicinity of the dam:

The heat will continue into the early part of next week, so prepare for a spring heat wave!