Cool sunshine continues, fire danger increasing
While no burn bans are in place - yet - fires are strongly discouraged over the coming days due to the drought, low humidity, and gusty winds.
Happy Hump Day! Chilly mornings and comfy days are back on the menu after Tuesday’s brief warm spell put the Queen City near 80°. Highs will reach into the mid-to-lower 70s this Wednesday afternoon across the Piedmont and Foothills; expect more of the same on Thursday. While we’re off to a relatively mild start this morning, lows will plummet into the 30s and 40s across the board over the next several nights as patchy frost returns to many communities north of the Metro. We’ll also have to watch for increasing fire danger over the coming days, as drought, low humidity levels, and gusty winds could lead to any outdoor blazes spiraling out of control. No burn bans are in place across the Carolinas – yet – but fires are strongly discouraged through the weekend.
Another weak cold front will push into the Carolinas by Friday, bringing another round of cold air along with it. Charlotte will struggle to crack 70° between Friday and Sunday as below-average temperatures rush in from the north. While rain chances appear few and far between over the next five days, there could be a few solid opportunities for moisture moving into next week as a train of messy storm systems parade through the Southeast. With no severe weather in the forecast at the moment, this appears to be beneficial rain for the moderate drought and abnormally dry conditions spreading across the Tar Heel and Palmetto states. While meaningful rainfall isn’t a guarantee right now, the Monday-Wednesday timeframe next week looks to be the best chance for rain that we’ve seen in a while.
Tropical Storm Melissa formed in the central Caribbean late Tuesday morning. The system has maintained strength as it slides westward, currently packing winds approaching 50 mph. Melissa is forecast to move very slowly over the coming days as it shifts northwestward toward Jamaica, Cuba, and Hispaniola; heavy rain and strong winds are in the forecast for these islands over the coming days into the weekend. Models continue to lead Melissa along a northeasterly, out-to-sea track next week, but we’ll keep you weather-wise as the forecast becomes clearer.
Today: Sunny and breezy. High: 73°. Wind: W 5-15. Gusts: 20+
Tonight: Clear and chilly. Low: 45°. Wind: NW 5-10.
Thursday: Another lovely day. High: 73°. Wind: W 5-15. Gusts: 20+
Thursday Night: Cold again. Patchy frost N. Low: 42°. Wind: NW 5-10.
Friday: Sunshine continues. Even cooler. High: 70°. Wind: N 5-10.
