The week ahead will feature what passes for a “cooldown” in mid-July followed by a return to temperatures running a few degrees above normal for this point in the year. But first, a soggy Monday as showers and thunderstorms ahead of a cold front take center stage. Some very heavy rain is possible, with another 1-2″ of rain possible across the area with locally higher amounts. We’ll have to watch for the potential for flooding as storms could train across some of the same spots repeatedly; there is also the matter of the 3:07 PM high tide to be concerned about, too, for downtown Charleston. The clouds and rain will keep highs in the mid-80s for the first time since June 23rd, so at least there’s a brief break from the heat. (Silver linings, etc.)

We have another hot day ahead on Sunday before showers and thunderstorms erupt once more generally in the mid-to-late afternoon and evening hours. Lows in the mid-to-upper 70s will warm to the mid-90s in the afternoon. Ever-so-slightly drier air should keep heat indices below 105° and delay the onset of thunderstorms later than they started on Saturday. Storm coverage also should be a little thinner than Saturday as well. Still, a strong to severe storm can’t be totally ruled out, so stay alert for possible warnings, and just be ready to change outdoor plans to indoor ones if a thunderstorm approaches your area.