Charleston Weather Blog

Forecast explanations, atmospheric science, and other cool weather-related stuff for Charleston, SC

The week ahead: Generally quiet and turning warmer

/ May 19, 2024 at 11:57 PM

The weather turns quiet to start the new work week, and we’ll even enjoy slightly lower temperatures and a little less humidity for at least a couple days, too! Monday looks particularly nice with lows in the mid-60s warming to highs in the low 80s in the afternoon under mostly sunny skies. A warming trend commences thereafter, with highs in the mid-80s Tuesday followed by upper 80s Wednesday. 90s return on Thursday, and we stay around there for Friday and the weekend as well…alas, with a bit more summertime humidity in play, too.

Rain chances are quiet through Thursday as ridging aloft rules the roost. This ridging will give way to a few disturbances starting Friday and lasting into the weekend, which will bring some shower and thunderstorm chances primarily in the afternoons. There’s no washouts anywhere that we can see, though — just be sure to have a secondary indoor plan to go along with your outdoor plans as we head into the Memorial Day weekend.

Sunday: Off and on rain could bring pockets of flooding

/ May 18, 2024 at 11:31 PM

Another round of showers and thunderstorms is expected on Sunday. A stalled cold front will cut down on the surface-based instability, so severe weather is not expected, but there’s still quite a bit of moisture around and a mid-level trough hanging right overhead. This will be enough to kick up more showers and thunderstorms, with heavy rain the main concern. The NWS forecast is for generally around 1-2” of rain tomorrow, with isolated spots receiving upwards of 3-4” in the heaviest rains. A flooding threat could result, causing travel to become treacherous at times. We’ll want to keep an eye on this throughout the day — stay tuned.

Temperatures behind the front will top out just around 80° after a muggy start in the upper 60s. Highs will remain tempered by ongoing showers and thunderstorms as well. Stay dry!