Sunshine through Wednesday
Good morning folks! It didn't seem like we would meet our forecasted rain totals, but a size-able (not a majority ) portion of the region reached an inch and along the escarpment, several sites hit the 2" mark. The highest total was out of Lake Toxaway at 3.15" for the event, most of this falling overnight as the stronger storms passed through the region.
We'll enjoy sunshine today, tomorrow and Wednesday, with showers returning Thursday as moisture from the Gulf of Mexico streams northward into the region. A front passes the region Friday and brings with it a period of heavy rain, followed by partial clearing Saturday and a chance for ridgeline snow Saturday night (nothing to write home about). Temps dip to a degree or two above normal Tuesday and Wednesday, but warm back to well above normal by Friday, cooling down post frontal this weekend. This week's rain event will be another soaker as the models show anywhere from 1 - 3" of rain, but after this past event's near miss, we'll wait till our next discussion to provide more details.
Sunshine today (Monday) pushes temps into the mid 40's along the ridgelines and upper 50's throughout the valleys, however strong winds above 3500' will make for a frigid day (gust up to 35mph). Temps bottom out to the mid 20's - low 30's and breezy conditions will continue across the high country, with clear skies overhead.
New Year's Eve Day and New Year's Day both offer up sunny skies, however some high clouds may build across the landscape before sunset on Wednesday. Temps Tuesday only make it to the mid 30's above 5500' and upper 40's across the lower elevations, warming slightly to the upper 30's - upper 40's Wednesday. Tuesday night offers up a few passing clouds and winds dying down a bit to 10 - 20mph, with temps bottoming out to the low - upper 20's depending upon elevation; no issue for those ringing in the New Year.
Thursday into Friday will feature more rain and showers will be slow to develop Thursday but widespread coverage seems likely before sunset, with heavy rain possible Friday. We'll stop here and circle back Wednesday afternoon with a more detailed look at the upcoming rain event. Stay safe if you plan on being out and about New Year's Eve night!