A hot and sticky week ahead

Temperatures today (Sunday) and through most of the upcoming work week will be above the early August average for Mecklenburg County. That said, it won't be as brutally hot as July's heat wave. Daily highs will be in the low to mid-90s through Thursday, when a "cold" front will usher in slightly cooler air.

What will be evident is very sticky humidity. Dew points in the low to mid-70s will add to each day's heat such that the heat index will nudge up to the 100º mark during several afternoons. That level of humidity will also prevent nighttime lows from dropping much below the mid-70s. Thus, the comfort level outdoors - and for those without air conditioning - this week won't be very good.

As far as rain chances go, today and most days this week could bring afternoon and evening showers and storms. Those would be very scattered but could pack a localized punch of strong straight line winds and flooding rain. Speaking of rain, this NWS Wakefield graphic shows liquid amounts reported across their coverage area during the first half of this past week. 

Mecklenburg County (inside the blue oval) totals were much less than areas just north and east, indicating the somewhat capricious nature of summertime convection. Much more rain is needed to break the grip of the ongoing drought, but anything is welcome!