Saturday, May 30, 2009

A Nice Weekend...

A cold front moving off the coast will set us up for a very nice weekend over the region. Expect plenty of sunshine and less humid conditions, with afternoon temperatures averaging in the low to mid 80s.

Early next week, the steamy air will make a return, particularly on Tuesday when southwest winds will boost temperatures to around 90 with increasing humidity. The next front will settle into the region later Wednesday, bringing another threat for thunderstorms.

Enjoy the beautiful final weekend of May!

Friday, May 29, 2009

New Severe Thunderstorm Watch to the South of I-64 Until 10 P.M.


A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect from Metro Richmond north until 8 P.M. A new Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect from I-64 south until 10 P.M. Scattered thunderstorms developing across the region may contain strong, damaging winds up to 70 mph and hail.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch In Effect Until 8 P.M.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect along and north of Interstate 64 until 8 P.M. this evening. The watch area includes Henrico County and the City of Richmond, but not Chesterfield County and points south. Strong thunderstorms developing across the region could produce strong, damaging winds up to 70 mph and hail.

CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT WARNINGS

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Mike's Weekend Getaway (May 30-31)

THE BEACHES

Saturday: Partly sunny...high around 80
Sunday: A mix of sun and clouds, warm...high in the low 80s

Water temperatures (as of Friday afternoon):
Virginia Beach: 63
Ocean City, MD: 63
Wilmington, NC: 76

THE MOUNTAINS
Saturday: Mostly sunny...high in the low 70s
Sunday: Partly sunny...high in the mid 70s

First Tropical Depression of the Season in the Atlantic...

The first tropical depression of the season formed this morning well east of the Virginia coast. It could become Tropical Storm Ana over the next 24 hours, but is moving northeast away from the Eastern seaboard. Check out the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center. The 2009 Atlantic hurricane season officially begins this coming Monday, June 1st.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Mike's Weekend Getaway

THE BEACHES

Saturday: Mostly sunny...high close to 80
Sunday: Partly sunny and warm, an isolated afternoon thunderstorm possible...high in the low 80s
Monday: A mix of sun and clouds, a few isolated afternoon thunderstorms...high in the low 80s

Water Temperatures (as of Friday afternoon)
Virginia Beach: 62 degrees
Ocean City: 68 degrees
Wilmington, NC: 71 degrees

THE MOUNTAINS

Saturday: Mostly sunny...high in the mid 70s
Sunday: Mostly cloudy, a few afternoon showers and thunderstorms...high in the low 70s
Monday: Mostly cloudy, scattered showers and thunderstorms...high in the low 70s

Holiday Weekend Update

As we go through the upcoming weekend, it will gradually get more humid and the increase in moisture will lead to some shower and thunderstorm chances. Saturday will feature a good amount of sunshine and afternoon temperatures in the mid 80s. The humidity will creep up, leading to more clouds on Sunday and possibly a few isolated afternoon thunderstorms. Temperatures should once again reach the mid 80s. On the holiday itself (Monday), we'll see a blend of clouds and sun with a greater likelihood of scattered thunderstorms as a front to the north settles into the Commonwealth. Temperatures should once again bounce back into the low and mid 80s during the afternoon.

The front will linger across the region on Tuesday, leading to more rain chances. Then it should lift back north on Wednesday, before a more significant front arrives on Thursday. I would say at this point, it looks like the highest chances for more widespread rainfall will probably be Tuesday and then again on Thursday.

Enjoy your holiday weekend!

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Holiday Weekend Rain Chances Somewhat Low...

Rain chances for the upcoming long holiday weekend look relatively low. We'll continue with plenty of sunshine tomorrow and Saturday, continuing into the latter portion of the weekend. As we add a bit of moisture to the atmosphere, it will become more humid and overnight lows will be higher. Eventually there may be a few isolated afternoon and evening thunderstorms popping up later Sunday and Monday. But all in all, this should be a good weekend weather-wise. Afternoon highs are expected to be in the mid 80s, with overnight lows mainly in the 60s. A front lurking to the north will get closer to us Sunday and Monday and that could be the trigger for a few storms to develop. By Tuesday, that front will kick back to the north and we'll have to wait for the next front to bring more rain chances, which will probably be later in the new work week.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Warming Up The Next Few Days...

Temperatures will be on the rise as southerly breezes kick in tonight and tomorrow. Afternoon temperatures should average in the upper 70s and we may see a few widely scattered showers and thunderstorms develop later in the day. An approaching front will stall over the region and could trigger a few more storms Friday, as temperatures reach 80 degrees. This front will kick north of the area on Saturday, and southwest breezes should boost our temperatures well into the 80s. A few thunderstorms may again break out before evening, as the next front moves in from the west.

This front will be slow to move through the Mid-Atlantic and that will cause more clouds and showers on Sunday. Behind the front, temperatures will be on the cool side and the clouds could linger into early next week, depending on the exact placement of the front and any potential waves of low pressure that try to ride up along it.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Nice Late Spring Weather...

We're in for a cool night over the area, with mainly clear skies and a light wind producing overnight lows in the 40s. The sun will go back to work tomorrow, although a breeze off the ocean will keep temperatures in check. Afternoon readings should average in the low to mid 70s. Clouds will be on the increase tomorrow night, and I wouldn't be surprised if we catch a few light showers scattered about the region early Thursday morning. Warm southerly breezes will boost afternoon temperatures close to 80 degrees. Then a cold front approaching from the west may trigger some evening thunderstorms.

This front will get hung up over the region on Friday, so the rain chances have to remain in the forecast. By Saturday, this front kicks back to the north and our temperatures should bounce into the 80s. However, the next front will approach later in the day and that could trigger yet another round of thunderstorms. As is typical of this time of the year, this front will slow down and will likely keep our rain chances going on Sunday.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Severe Thunderstorm Watch Until 9 P.M.


A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 9 P.M. this evening. The watch includes Metro Richmond, Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, Farmville, the Tri-Cities and the Northern Neck.
Thunderstorms are expected to develop across the region, with the potential for strong storms that contain damaging wind gusts to 70 mph and hail.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

A Warm Friday and The Weekend Outlook...

The sun has finally returned! While we may catch a passing shower this evening, all in all it will be a bit drier to finish the work week. Expect a blend of sun and clouds tomorrow, with afternoon temperatures in the 80s! There is the slight risk of an isolated thundershower later in the day, but the chances are quite low.

There's a better shot at scattered showers and thunderstorms on Saturday, as the next cold front arrives in the area. Temperatures should still rise into the 80s and the day won't be a washout. As the front settles south on Sunday, I expect Mother's Day to be pretty nice, with ample sunshine and afternoon temperatures in the mid and upper 70s.

Moisture will sneak back north on Monday as this front won't get very far from us, so the clouds will quickly return and we may see a few showers. Then high pressure will build in from the north on Tuesday, clearing our skies once again.

Some Drier and Warmer Weather Coming...

Showers will linger over the area this morning, but skies will brighten this afternoon as the sun makes an appearance. Temperatures should rise to around 80 degrees, making for a warm afternoon. The week will end with a rather nice Friday. Skies should be partly sunny with afternoon temperatures in the low to mid 80s. It will be a bit on the humid side as well, with another cold front approaching from the west later on. This front probably won't get through here until Saturday...so most if not all of Friday will be dry. There may be a few isolated late day or evening thunderstorms popping up, but the greater chances will come on Saturday. The front should slide south of us on Sunday, leading to a pretty nice Mother's Day.

Early next week, the front could waver a bit before probably dissipating and that could bring more cloudiness and even a threat for precipitation on Monday. But that's a ways off...

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Tornado Watch Until 4 A.M.


A Tornado Watch is now in effect for virtually all of Central and Eastern Virginia until 4:00 A.M. Isolated strong thunderstorms developing over the region overnight could produce damaging winds, hail and an isolated tornado or two.


A Tornado Watch is in effect from Metro Richmond and I-64 south until 9:00 P.M. Thunderstorms are expected to develop across the region, which may contain strong wind gusts and hail...and could spawn an isolated tornado or two.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Tornado Watch From Metro Richmond South Until 6 P.M.



A Tornado Watch is in effect from Metro Richmond and I-64 south until 6 P.M. The atmosphere has become quite unstable over us. A few strong thunderstorms will develop over the region and could spawn isolated tornadoes.

CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Wet Weather Ahead...

Well the NASCAR race squeezed in, despite a few heavier showers and thunderstorms that passed by. A front sneaking into the region will be sitting over the Mid-Atlantic the next couple of days. Waves of low pressure will bring rounds of showers and thunderstorms, with the likelihood of heaviest rain coming as early as later today, but most likely overnight into tomorrow. More showers will continue into early Tuesday, with a possible break coming for the afternoon. The model data shows the potential for a widespread rainfall of an inch or more by Tuesday morning, but there will be locally heavier amounts due to thunderstorms. Temperatures will lower a bit the next two days, with the wind swinging to the east and northeast. Then readings will rise later in the week back above 80 degrees.

Friday, May 1, 2009

NASCAR Weather Update...Tonight Probably OK, Saturday Not Good...

The weekend forecast remains on track. A few scattered showers and thunderstorms will pop up this evening, but the race at RIR should get done. Race time temperatures will average in the mid 70s. Tomorrow the weather will go downhill, with numerous showers and thunderstorms, especially during the afternoon and evening. So conditions for the Russ Friedman 400 don't look good...I'd say we've got at least a 60% threat of showers and thunderstorms at race time (with temperatures in the low 70s). It certainly looks quite wet through the rest of the weekend, so even if they postpone the race, conditions will be less than ideal on Sunday.

The unsettled weather will linger into the early part of next week, with the threat for at least a few showers and thunderstorms remaining Monday and Tuesday. Then we'll gradually dry out and warm up during the middle of the week.