The National Weather Service in Charlotte, N.C., has issued a weather update stating that today's conditions will include showers and thunderstorms likely continuing into the afternoon, with a strong probability of severe weather events. Temperatures are expected to rise to a high near 76 degrees, with south-southwest winds blowing at speeds of 8 to 14 mph and gusts reaching up to 25 mph. The chance of precipitation stands at 80%, with new rainfall amounts expected between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, though potentially higher in thunderstorms. This update was last revised at 6:52 a.m. today and is available on the NWS website.
Tonight's forecast anticipates continued showers and thunderstorms before midnight, tapering into isolated showers between midnight and 1am. The temperature is expected to lower around 51 degrees, with winds shifting from southwest to north northwest after midnight. Gusts might peak as high as 24 mph, maintaining an 80% chance of precipitation with similar rainfall amounts as during the day. During the storms, cross the area from west to east late this morning through the afternoon, the National Weather Service has also indicated a risk for potentially strong to severe storms harboring dangers such as damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes, specifically across the Piedmont region.
Looking ahead to Tuesday, the weather is forecasted to be sunny, with a high near 73 degrees and a north wind blowing at a gentle 3 to 7 mph. Tuesday night appears slated to be mostly clear, cooling down to a low around 53 degrees with an east wind persisting at a light 3 to 6 mph. The medium-term forecast for Wednesday shows a 30 percent chance of showers, mainly post-10am, with partly sunny conditions and an east southeast wind ranging from 6 to 10 mph, gusting to 20 mph.
The rest of the week anticipates varied weather with mostly cloudy conditions on Wednesday night and a 40 percent chance of showers, leading into high temperatures near the mid-80s by Thursday. The weekend forecast suggests partly sunny skies with highs approaching the 90s. By Sunday, the forecast models suggest a return of a 40 percent chance of showers amid mostly cloudy conditions, with a high near 84 degrees.
In preparation for today's expected severe weather, the NWS has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook across regions of northeast Georgia, Piedmont North Carolina, western North Carolina, and Upstate South Carolina. Spotter information indicates the need for regional spotters to report any incidence of large hail, damaging winds, tornadoes, or flash flooding directly to the National Weather Service office. According to the National Weather Service outlook, "Some of these storms may be strong to severe with damaging winds being the main threat," also warning of potential large hail and tornadoes.
For real-time updates and more details on the hazardous weather outlook, residents can access the forecast and safety guidelines at the National Weather Service website.
