Rain chances rise after a stretch of heat and drier weather 

Summer is in full swing over the next two days with high temperatures in the low to mid 90s across the Piedmont, and the lower 80s in the High Country. Rain chances through Monday look isolated in the Piedmont, and scattered in the High Country as no major systems are nearby to bring widespread rain. By Tuesday, we see a slight cool down back to the upper 80s in the Piedmont. This will start a trend of temperatures falling, and rising rain chances through next weekend. By the time we get to Thursday, rain chances stay elevated as multiple weak cold fronts approach the area. This will help to keep temperatures at least slightly below average for the end of the coming work week. Until we get there, enjoy the summer-like weather because August hasn’t had much of it this year!

Meanwhile, Hurricane Erin has exploded into a major category 5 hurricane northeast of Puerto Rico. Luckily, the storm is still expected to remain offshore as it tracks between the Outer Banks and Bermuda by the middle of this week. While that is good news, still expect some impacts along the Carolina coast. Life-threatening surf and rip currents will be a concern Tuesday through Thursday as Erin increases in size and maintains major hurricane status offshore. Also expect some coastal flooding and beach erosion in the Outer Banks. After Erin moves away, we will continue the need to monitor the Atlantic as some models keep tropical trouble brewing in the main development region!

Tonight: Mostly clear. Low: 71°. Wind: NE 5 mph

Sunday: Partly cloudy.  A stray storm. High 92°. Wind: Calm

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy.  Low: 74°. Wind: Calm

Monday: Partly cloudy.  A stray storm. High 94°. Wind NE 5 mph