Friday, April 15, 2011

We start our Friday with temperatures in the upper 40s under clear, sunny skies. Temperatures will rebound nicely as a steady southwest wind puts daytime highs in the low 70s once again this afternoon. However, we can expect increasing clouds and strengthening winds later today. Another low pressure wave will cross the southeastern US & Mid-Atlantic states tonight and Saturday.That low pressure center will likely produce some severe weather overnight/Saturday, especially south. Tornadoes associated with that low pressure have already caused several deaths in our nations midsection.

The primary threat for our area will be strong gusty winds. A wind advisory lasting from 8 PM tonight -11 AM Saturday has already been hoisted for our area. Those breezy conditions ahead of the frontal boundary could also create an ehanced fire threat before higher dewpoints and rainfall arrives after midnight tonight. However, the storm could also produce other severe weather threats such as hail, cloud to ground lightning and flash flooding, especially along the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. The storm will most likely stall over the Appalachians, bringing up to an inch of rain to our area Saturday. More than 1.5 inches of rain could potentially fall to the east, in Pocahontas County and in the EP.

Cooler temps are in store this weekend as well. Saturday expect low to mid 60s. Sunday, expect a high of 60. High pressure will build in later on Sunday.This, along with a more or less zonal upper air flow  willl allow for clearing skies, sunshine and warmer temps to return to the forecast for early next week. Much warmer temps and the chance for an isolated T storm return for Tuesday next week.