Above Average Temps into Friday

Good morning folks! After a hot and sunny weekend we expect a slight uptick in moisture levels as we move through the work and school week, culminating in isolated to possibly scattered shower chances beginning Wednesday, peaking sometime this weekend. An abnormal ridge of high pressure, much like we are used to during the summer months, is currently setup across the Southeast and will remain the driving force for our weather this week and weekend. This will translate into temps roughly 4 - 6 degrees above average and with moisture levels on the rise, comfort levels will drop as heat indicies push into the mid - upper 80's.

Typically for early - mid September the lower elevation max daily temps are in the upper 70's - low 80's, but this week we'll be dealing with highs in the mid - upper 80's. This stretch of warmer weather is expected to continue in some form or fashion through the end of the month, with a possible cool down for early October.

Sunshine dominates the landscape today (Monday) as well as Tuesday, with an uptick in late day clouds Wednesday as isolated showers develop across the higher terrain. Temps Monday and Tuesday will push into the low - mid 70's along the ridgelines, while the valleys roast as temps soar to the upper 80's. Overnight lows will be comfortable but not cool as they settle into the upper 50's - low 60's each night under clear skies.

Wednesday through Friday introduces a slow increase in moisture levels as the upper level ridge flattens a bit and by Friday a front approaches the region, but doesn't have enough strength to cross the area, instead stalling and fizzling out just to our northwest. Temps Wednesday through Friday cool down a degree or two compared to earlier in the week as they reach the low 70's - mid 80's each afternoon, but keep in mind as moisture levels rise, so do heat indices. Isolated showers develop Wednesday and pop up showers and thunderstorms are possible by Friday, but not enough to keep mostly sunny skies from being the dominant weather feature over the three day period.

There is no concern at this time for those watching the Saturday forecast as Western returns home to play in Cullowhee with a 3:30pm kickoff. As of right now plan for more sun than clouds with spotty shower chances around kickoff, fizzling out by game's end and be sure to hydrate as muggy conditions continue.

We'll post another forecast discussion on Thursday, with a focus on the weekend and early next week. Hopefully we can cool down to normal levels; fingers crossed.