Damp weekend ahead, but the rain is needed

Should there be any doubt that there's an ongoing drought, this graphic illustrates the low streamflows across Virginia as of Thursday:

This is one reason why a forecast for rain this weekend should be welcome, even if it does dampen outdoor plans. Precipitation totals across Mecklenburg County by Monday morning will be in the half-inch to an inch range.

A "cold" front is crossing the Appalachian Mountains this morning and will skid to a stop along the Virginia / North Carolina state line. That nearby boundary will foster showers and a few gusty thunderstorms this Friday afternoon, just after local thermometers top out in the lower 90s. Rain chances will continue until the midnight hour, after which patchy fog is possible atop the wet ground.

Saturday will dawn under mostly cloudy skies with temperatures starting the day near 70º. Additional showers and storms look to hold off until later in the afternoon. Tomorrow's highs will reach the upper 80s accompanied by even stickier air than today's conditions.

Sunday's weather will be similar to tomorrow's, albeit with more peeks of sunshine. Afternoon temperatures and humidity will again mean the sticky upper 80s for highs. Sunday evening the next "cold" front will push through, bringing lower humidity and somewhat cooler air to begin the work week.