Wedge weakens grip on Carolinas

We’re over the hump and into the back half of the workweek as temperatures steadily rise into the heart of the month. A strong ridge of high pressure to our north continues to pump cooler air into the Carolinas over the next few days, but the classic “Carolina wedge” setup we’ve seen since the weekend begins to weaken its grip on the WCCB Charlotte viewing area. Expect mostly cloudy skies through the weekend – and a few scattered showers, as well – as highs rise from the mid-to-upper 70s this Thursday afternoon to the mid-80s on Sunday around the Metro. A classic summertime pattern appears poised to erupt across the Southeast by midweek next week as afternoon temperatures approach 90°.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) continues to monitor a budding area of low pressure off the Carolina coastline, but its odds of tropical development have dropped to 30% over the next 5-7 days. It’s also looking increasingly likely that, regardless of development, the fledgling system follows in Dexter’s tracks and heads out to sea. The NHC is also watching another region for potential tropical formation located between the Caribbean and the west African coast – this area has a 60% chance of berthing a tropical storm over the next week. While there are no immediate threats to the Carolinas, it’s important to stay weather-wise as we head into peak hurricane season over the next several weeks.

Today: Mostly cloudy with a few showers, especially E. High: 77°. Wind: NE 5-15

Tonight: A shower or two early, then mostly cloudy. Low: 67°. Wind: NE 5-10.

Friday: Clouds remain. Stray shower? High: 79°. Wind: NE 5-15

Friday Night: Variable clouds. Low: 67°. Wind: NE 5-10.

Saturday: More clouds than sun. Warmer. High: 82°. Wind: NE 5-15.