Tropical Storm Chantal will make landfall overnight somewhere between Georgetown and Myrtle Beach, keeping the risk for some showers around overnight into Sunday. We should see an uptick in shower and thunderstorm activity as the heating of the day helps to wring out some wrap-around moisture on the southwest side of Chantal’s circulation. Overall, though, this storm hasn’t been a major rainmaker for the area, and that shouldn’t change much on Sunday with the scattered nature of the individual showers and thunderstorms. Severe weather is not expected as we sit within the weaker side of Chantal’s circulation, but the risk for rip currents will continue and we should still have some breezy conditions at the beaches and on the bridges. Temperatures will start in the mid-70s again, but highs should stay below 90° for one more day with the clouds and rain in the area (though we should see a decent amount of sun between showers, too).
By the way, our 90° streak ended today at 21 days — the high at the airport topped out around 85°. Don’t worry, though — we’ll kick off a new streak starting Monday, and temperatures for the upcoming work week will certainly have that July feel to them, complete with Advisory-level heat indices.
Tropical Depression Three developed this afternoon off the Southeast coast, and will be the main driver of our weather this weekend. Even though Three is forecast to become Tropical Storm Chantal, this should largely be a beneficial system, bringing some rain to some parched spots. However, it will still bring a few hazards, including gusty winds (40-45 MPH) near the coast and offshore, a high risk of rip currents, and the potential for locally heavy rain that could lead to some flooding, particularly around the afternoon high tide. This potential has prompted a Tropical Storm Watch for Charleston County. With all that said, though, this is nothing we can’t handle.
The weather for the Fourth of July weekend looks a bit on the unsettled side as low pressure — perhaps tropical in nature — spins up offshore and increases the risk for rain near the coast.
Independence Day itself looks okay with a bit of drier air working into the area in the wake of a stalling front. There’s still enough juice for a few thunderstorms along and ahead of the seabreeze in the afternoon, so be sure you have indoor alternatives to your outdoor plans just in case thunderstorms threaten. Temperatures start in the mid-70s, warming to the low 90s in the afternoon. Heat indices will run in the mid-90s to around 100° in the afternoon, particularly in the immediate wake of the seabreeze, so be wary of the heat especially if you are more vulnerable to it.
