Strong Storms Possible Sunday, Pleasant Week Ahead

This weekend marks the transition into the back half of August – and it’s finally feeling like summer again. The heat and humidity are back in full swing this Saturday afternoon as highs touch 90º across the Piedmont and Foothills. Expect more of the same as we move into the back half of the weekend. Highs may crank up a bit further into the lower 90s around the Metro on Sunday while the High Country hovers near 80º. We’ll need to watch for a few strong storms later in the day as a cold front approaches from the northwest. While the severe threat isn’t particularly high, a few isolated storms may pack gusty winds, frequent lightning, and small hail.

Big changes arrive as we kick off the workweek. Monday’s highs will cool into the 80s and 70s across the board as refreshing winds filter in from the northwest. The rest of the week looks to be even cooler – highs may struggle to clear the 70s in the Piedmont on Wednesday and Thursday despite abundant sunshine. Humidity levels will also tumble with the temperatures, setting us up for a fantastic week ahead.

Ernesto remains a hurricane this Saturday afternoon, although it has weakened to Category 1 status. Ernesto will continue to wander northeastward over the next 48 hours before making a sharp easterly turn as it approaches Atlantic Canada. The rip current risk along Carolina beaches remains high through the weekend.

Tonight: A few storms early, then clearing. Low: 70°. Wind: S 5-10.

Sunday: Mostly sunny with a few PM storms. Some may be severe. High: 91°. Wind: SW to NW 5-10.

Sunday Night: Scattered storms early, then clearing. Low: 68°. Wind: NW 5-10.

Monday: Breezy and beautiful. PM stray storm? High: 87°. Wind: NW 5-15.