Typical Summer day. Then heat & humidity build

This morning marked the second consecutive day with unexpected light showers in the area. Fortunately, they were brief and scattered.

 

Morning Showers

The rain began around 4:30 AM and tapered off by 7 AM. There were no major weather systems present, likely just a weak upper-level disturbance. In the broader picture, there's a low-pressure system over the northeastern states moving further northeast, with high pressure to our southeast. Another low-pressure area is located over the Midwest.

Regional Weather Map

The Midwest system won't directly affect us, but its associated warm front will brush by our region. After some morning cloudiness, we'll see partial clearing throughout the day. Expect partly cloudy skies, with a few isolated showers or thunderstorms this afternoon. A more substantial cluster of showers and storms may develop later this evening.

Future Trak Tonight

If these storms persist, a couple of strong ones could emerge. Winds today will be from the south at 8-12 mph, preventing sea breezes. High temperatures will reach around 90 degrees.

Temps vs. Heat Index

The heat index will be in the mid-90s, typical for this season. However, tomorrow's heat and humidity will increase, with highs in the low to mid-90s and a heat index nearing or exceeding 100 degrees.

Temps vs. Heat Index

Wednesday will be mostly sunny, with just a few isolated showers or storms. The heat and humidity will intensify on Thursday and Friday, pushing highs into the mid-90s, with a heat index possibly reaching 105 or higher.

Muggy MeterHumidity levels will become tropical, unlike the dry conditions last weekend. Expect scattered showers and storms daily, with increasing moisture Friday into Saturday, creating a sauna-like atmosphere. Highs will remain in the 90s, potentially dropping slightly due to more cloud cover and higher rain chances.

We're also monitoring smoke from large wildfires in the western U.S. and Canada, spreading across much of the country.

 Smoke Forecast

 Today, the smoke has reached as far east as Kentucky. Our area is clear for now, but thicker smoke could move over the Great Lakes and Mid-Atlantic tomorrow.

Smoke Forecast WednesdayThis smoke may stay elevated, causing haze, but if it thickens, it could reach the surface, affecting air quality. We'll keep an eye on it.

 

In the tropics, we're tracking a weak disturbance in the central Atlantic, moving west/northwest. It's unlikely to develop in the short term but has a medium chance of formation in a few days.

 Tropical Weather Outlook

 It has encountered some Saharan dust, which may have hindered its development. However, it's in an area with less dust.

 Saharan Air Layer

 The disturbance is over warm waters but faces some light wind shear.

 Wind Shear Forecast

 There's a possibility it could approach the U.S. southeast coast in a few days and potentially strengthen, especially according to the European model. We'll keep you updated on its progress.