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Friday & the weekend: Turning “cooler” with more in the way of storms

/ July 20, 2023 at 9:25 PM

We have one more really hot day on Friday, with heat indices well in excess of 105° expected one more time in the afternoon. A few 110° readings won’t be ruled out, either, and it’s possible another Heat Advisory will be needed as air temperatures head into the upper 90s.

Scattered afternoon thunderstorms will again figure into the forecast, and one or two of them could produce damaging downburst winds. There is a risk for more organized severe weather moving down the Savannah River Friday night. The degree to which we experience this will be largely determined by the position of the subtropical ridge, which should retrograde a little more westward by tomorrow evening, keeping the main threat to our southwest. We’ll watch it, though.

Heading into Saturday and Sunday, troughing combined with a weak front stalling out nearby will keep afternoon shower and thunderstorm chances in vogue. Temperatures won’t be quite as scorching as we’ve seen, though, with highs topping out only in the low 90s thanks to the lower heights aloft. This is closer to normal for this point in the year. Heat indices, however, will still run above 100° each afternoon, and could make a run for 105° on Saturday. Stay cool if you’re spending time outdoors, and be ready to bring outdoor activities inside in case thunderstorms threaten.