Sauna-like conditions begin the work week

Today - Monday, August 31st - is the last official day of meteorological summer, but the weather doesn't pay attention to human definitions. Mecklenburg County will see a resurgence of summertime heat and humidity this week, starting with today's afternoon highs in the mid-90s. The reason for this latest heat wave can be laid at the doorstep of an upper level ridge parked over the eastern half of the nation. 

These ridges feature sinking air underneath them, resulting in generally clear skies and rising temperatures. This graphic showing the upper air flow illustrates this weather feature:

Having said that, there could be a stray shower or storm across the county late this afternoon into the evening. No widespread precipitation is expected, however.

Tuesday looks to be even steamier, with morning temperatures only sagging into the 70s alongside increasing humidity. Tomorrow afternoon local thermometers will climb into the mid-90s to begin the month of September. Again, there is a very slight chance of an afternoon shower or storm tomorrow, but that would be a very localized phenomenon. 

This latest heat wave will continue until a backdoor cold front makes its way south of the area sometime Friday. Until then, the 90s are back in town!