The temperature rollercoaster rides on. This morning, we were in the 20s in many spots in the Lowcountry, but as winds begin to turn more easterly and then southerly, the warm air (and moisture) pump will be back in place for a couple days. (We’re already up to the low 50s as of 1PM.) This will be followed by a more prolonged period of below-normal temperatures after a frontal passage Friday.

Rest of Tuesday: Increasing clouds, a little warmer

High pressure is wedging down into the Lowcountry today, turning winds a little more northeast and having the effect of allowing temperatures to moderate a little bit with slightly warmer onshore flow. 50s this afternoon will be a far cry from the high of 42° we felt on Monday! Said onshore flow will bring some more clouds into the picture as the day progresses, but no rain is expected.

Wednesday: Scattered showers and significantly warmer

A few scattered showers will be possible on Wednesday behind departing high pressure. The bigger story will be the warmth, though. A warm front looks to lift north of the area sometime Wednesday morning, helping temperatures reach back into the mid-60s by the afternoon.

We will remain in the warm sector as we get into Wednesday night. A sharp cold front will be approaching the area from the west, bringing with it a line of showers and thunderstorms that will affect the area on Thursday morning.

Thursday: Stormy start, then chilling out

Thursday starts with the aforementioned line of thunderstorms that will make steady inroads to the area through the morning hours. It looks to bring a bit of a cooldown behind it, but afternoon highs should still top out in the low 60s. A reinforcing shot of cold air looks to arrive late Thursday into early Friday — the timing is yet to be nailed down at this range — and this is what is going to keep things a little on the cool side for…

Friday & the Weekend

Expect below normal temperatures but generally fair conditions for Friday and the upcoming weekend as high pressure dominates the weather picture. Main concern will be a few chilly mornings with wind chills in the low 30s (based on medium-range guidance).

A note on the government shutdown

As the partial government shutdown extends into its 32nd day, I reiterate my appreciation and thanks to National Weather Service meteorologists and technicians here in Charleston and throughout our nation as they continue to keep watch on our skies and produce critical forecast and warning information on mere promise of pay later. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear that there is a workable solution to end this shutdown in sight, which means these public servants will continue to have to work without pay. I cannot imagine what I would do in this situation, but I could only hope that I could maintain my professionalism and composure as the hard working staff of the National Weather Service has continued to display.