A Gradual Return to Normal
Good afternoon folks! Temps this morning were a few degree below forecasted levels, with the coldest spot found atop Mt Mitchell at 33.3°F, while the rest of the 6100 - 6400' ridgelines sat in the mid - upper 30's. The valleys enjoyed temps as low as the low - mid 40's and by Saturday morning we'll be back in the 40's, but not as cold as the 30's. Sunshine and some late day fair weather clouds will make up most of the action on Saturday, while Sunday features pop up showers and a few thunderstorms past midday as high pressure off to our east spins moisture back into the region. We'll return to normal by early next week as muggy conditions and afternoon showers fill in across the region, with temps peaking to the low - mid 80's each afternoon across the lower elevations.
Saturday features another fall like start to the day with sunny skies overhead and its likely the valleys will be colder than the ridgelines due to ideal radiational cooling conditions Friday night (clear skies, low dewpoints and little to no wind); temps dip into the low - upper 40's. Eventually we'll notice small clouds develop out of the south and southeast as moisture gradually increases across the area and at this time it doesn't seem if any showers will develop; if they do, they should hold to the ridgelines and closer to the SC state line. Saturday night will bring temps down into the low - upper 50's under clear to partly cloudy skies. Sunday starts out sunny but partly cloudy skies alongside pop up showers will develop after midday and there will be a noticeable uptick in humidity levels compared to Saturday. Scattered coverage is possible but for now we are going with isolated thunderstorms with a small threat for heavy downpours; nothing severe expected. Temps Saturday reach the low - mid 60's along the ridgelines, while the valleys climb to the low 80's and by Sunday temps should climb a degree or two higher, although with increasing humidity levels it will feel warmer. Overnight lows Sunday night dip into the upper 50's - mid 60's with isolated showers continuing throughout the night.
The pattern Monday through Wednesday will keep shower chances alive and for now it seems the Tuesday into Wednesday time frame will be our best window for showers as an upper level disturbance passes nearby. We are not expecting a washout as rainfall totals should be under 0.5 - 0.75" over the three day period, but light to moderate showers with partly to mostly cloudy skies at times will make it feel somewhat gloomy outside. Temps remain in the mid - upper 60's along the ridgelines rising to the low 80's across the valleys each afternoon, with overnight lows in the upper 50's - mid 60's each night.
Our next discussion will come out Sunday, probably around the early afternoon hours and we'll focus on Monday through Thursday and the chances for rain. Till then, enjoy the weekend and gorgeous weather!