Air temperatures return to more reasonable levels for mid-July this weekend as a trough digs in a bit more, nudging the ridge that had brought us quite a hot stretch back to the west. It will also improve shower and thunderstorm chances across the area starting Saturday afternoon. Granted, it will still be humid, and heat indices on Saturday in particular will head back north of 100°, but not quite as high as we’ve seen the past few days. Showers and thunderstorms should fire in the afternoon and evening as disturbances round the base of the trough. One or two of these storms could produce strong wind gusts. Be ready for rapidly changing conditions, but don’t cancel any outdoor plans, either.

Sunday could be a little more active as another disturbance passes by. It could instigate scattered storms by midday, but they’ll be more likely in the afternoon. Again, not expecting a washout by any stretch, but be ready to bring outdoor plans inside if thunderstorms approach your location. Highs top out in the low 90s Sunday with heat indices approaching 100°.

Tropical outlook: Disturbance approaching the Lesser Antilles with a high probability of development

Aside from Tropical Storm Don, which continues to do loops in the northern Atlantic, the National Hurricane Center is watching a disturbance approaching the Lesser Antilles for possible development within the next seven days. Some guidance gives this a chance to survive as it heads into the Caribbean. For now, no imminent concerns for the Lowcountry — just something to watch. If it develops and gets named, the next name on the list is Emily.

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