The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory set to stay in action until 2 PM EDT this afternoon for multiple counties, including, but not limited to, the northwestern part of the forecast area, where gusts may reach as high as 50 mph. As informed by the most recent Area Forecast Discussion, a cold front approaching from the Mississippi Valley is expected to bring gusty winds and showers, with a slight chance of thunderstorms, as it moves through the region later today into the evening. Showers associated with the front are expected to commence mainly after noon, with a weakening trend predicted despite the afternoon timing, which usually favors such weather events.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures are to soar again to the 70s to lower 80s despite the limited sunshine due to "an extensive mid deck of clouds and an increase in lower clouds." A low-level jet will escalate into the area this morning and is expected to weaken this afternoon as it lifts northeast. However, due to the mixing into even a portion of this low-level jet, the region will experience rather gusty winds, most pronounced from mid-morning into the early afternoon.
Post-frontal passage, winds will gradually subside overnight, and the high-pressure system forecasted for Friday is likely to return to drier conditions and cooler temperatures, with sunshine aplenty and highs ranging from the upper 50s to lower 60s. Before the reprieve on Friday, a fine line of showers developing right along the front may increase gusts again briefly. Still, it will eventually diminish in strength as the clouds decrease.
Looking ahead into the long term, the area should brace to face a weather period attributed to a digging mid-level trough and surface low, along with a cold front, which will pull in substantial moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. This system will usher in showers starting Sunday, with the likelihood increasing through Tuesday night into Wednesday as the cold front advances through the area. Gusty winds are again predicted on Tuesday, "especially on Tuesday in the tightening pressure gradient ahead of the cold front," as per the National Weather Service. Temperatures are forecast to remain above average through this period, potentially climbing into the 70s to around 80 by Monday and Tuesday.
