Nothing says summer-time like hot and sticky conditions leading to afternoon and evening storms. That's the outlook for this weekend around Mecklenburg County. Today (Friday) will be the hottest day, with local thermometers registering highs near 100º. Combined with uncomfortably high humidity the resulting heat index will make it feel more like 105º. Thus, NWS Wakefield has issued a Heat Advisory from 11:00 a.m. through 8:00 p.m. for today.
Today's storms will likely manifest as showers around the 5 o'clock hour, followed by more powerful stuff after sunset as a "cold" front presses across the Appalachians. The Storm Prediction Center has much of Virginia under a Slight Risk - level 2 of 5 - for severe weather. The main threat will be damaging straight line winds as well as the always dangerous lightning.
It's important to have more than one source of weather warnings in order to take protective action, especially since those storms could be raging after dark. In addition, remember that a "Watch" means conditions for severe weather are favorable, but a "Warning" means it's actually happening and in your area. This two-panel graphic illustrates both of those:
Despite the passage of that "cold" front temperatures will only sag into the low 70s Saturday morning. Tomorrow's skies look to be clear as drier air behind the boundary moves into the region. Afternoon highs will be in the low 90s, but the stickiness will be less thanks to lower dew points.
Sunday's weather will remind folks of today's heat and humidity. Afternoon highs in the upper 90s, increased humidity, and a cold front crossing the Appalachians will result in another round of strong to severe storms. The Storm Prediction Center has the eastern third of Virginia under another Slight Risk (level 2 out of 5) for severe weather on the final weekend day.
Practice heat and storm safety this weekend!
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