We start this Valentine’s Day off with mostly cloudy skies and occasional patches of drizzle and light rain as a plume of moisture with origins in the Pacific pushes eastward over our area. Once said plume begins to clear, we will see clouds follow suit, giving way to a nice and somewhat cool afternoon. The big feature of today’s weather, which lasts through the weekend, is the return to cooler, more seasonable temperatures in the wake of a cold front which swung through yesterday. Expect highs today to top out in the upper 50s to low 60s across the area, a marked change from yesterday’s upper 70s inland to mid-70s near the coast.
Unseasonable warmth will continue through the weekend as the Charleston area remains within the warm sector of a rather potent storm system that is bringing heavy snow to Wisconsin and severe weather to Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas. Fortunately, we look to miss out on much, if not all, of the severe weather, but unsettled conditions will continue well into next week. A washout is not expected, but scattered showers will be possible from time to time.
This weekend will remain chilly and breezy as a coastal storm takes shape. Rain will continue to be a factor Saturday as the low develops and gradually moves offshore. Wet weather will taper off as Saturday night progresses, leaving us with a mix of sun and clouds for Sunday. Temperatures will remain well below normal, with highs around 50° for Saturday and in the mid-50s for Sunday. Breezy NNE winds will contribute to the risk for coastal flooding around times of high tide Saturday (10:01 AM, 10:27 PM), with moderate flooding possible in the morning. If heavier rain develops around times of high tide, flooding could be worsened. Keep the winter rain gear close — you’ll be happy you have it Saturday!
We have a really nice weekend of weather coming up as high pressure remains firmly in control across the area. Cool starts will give way to comfortably warm afternoons with highs in the mid-80s and low humidity. Rain chances are nil, and we should see plentiful sunshine throughout the weekend.
An abnormally strong ridge of high pressure is going to build in for the weekend, keeping rain chances relatively low and temperatures rather high for early September. In fact, the record high of 95° for Saturday is forecast to be at least tied. By Sunday, more humidity works its way in and heat indices may exceed 105°. Aside from an isolated afternoon thunderstorm, relief from the heat looks unlikely. Keep this in mind if you or someone you know remains without power — they’re going to want some air conditioning this weekend!
It’s been a while since I’ve been able to say this, but here goes:
The record high of 98°, set in 1953, is safe today.
Temperatures will only top out in the mid-90s before thunderstorms — yes, thunderstorms with actual rain — start to develop by mid-afternoon. A few of these thunderstorms may be on the strong side, though.
We will need to keep an eye on the weather this weekend as a couple rounds of strong to severe storms will be possible, particularly Sunday, as the upper-level ridge which has been squelching a lot of thunderstorm activity slides offshore.
A nearly flawless Spring Break week (weather-wise, anyway…) will close with a nice warmup as temperatures surge into the upper 70s and perhaps the 80s to end March. Changes are coming, though — the transitional season of Spring is not through with us yet.
Forecast for Thursday, February 7. First 80°+ day of the year!
The warmest day of #FakeSpring is upon us, with highs expected to top out in the low 80s away from the beaches, which will remain much cooler under the influence of water temperatures in the 50s. The NWS forecast high of 81° would be a new record for the date.
