Chances for Strong to Severe Storms Thursday Night; September Kicks Off Cool and Comfortable

Unsettled weather returns to the region tonight

With warm and humid weather sticking around for most of this week, the return of unsettled weather could not come at a better time. While not everyone received rainfall with Monday’s storm system, coverage was widespread enough to temporarily eliminate any immediate drought concerns for much of the region. For areas that did see heavy rain, it was accompanied by gusty winds and frequent lightning. The Storm Prediction Center placed the region under a “marginal risk” for severe weather which means isolated severe storms are possible. Thankfully, the storms remained below severe limits and no warnings were issued.

A break in the heat and humidity is on the horizon

Relief from the recent stretch of hot and humid weather will return to the region by the end of the week. Temperatures will fall back into the low 80s for daytime highs by the weekend and humidity levels will also drop. With lower humidity values, overnight lows will also be more comfortable falling back into the 50s. This stretch of more comfortable weather will also coincide with the start of meteorological fall. Meteorological fall begins on September 1st and is used by meteorologists to track seasonal changes in weather patterns. While astronomical fall, which begins on the autumnal equinox, is the official start of fall, meteorological fall is used to calculate the average climatological data for the fall season.

Severe weather chances return Thursday night

While the region will get a break from the heat and humidity, another round of unsettled weather will return to the region Thursday night. A cold front will approach the region from the northwest and is expected to stall over the area. This will allow for showers and thunderstorms to develop along and ahead of the front. The Storm Prediction Center has placed the region under a “slight risk” for severe weather which means scattered severe storms are possible. The main threats with any storms that do become severe will be damaging winds and large hail. While the overall severe weather threat is low, it is important to be aware of the potential for severe weather and have a plan in place should severe weather warnings be issued.

Rainfall amounts will vary significantly

With Thursday night’s storm system, rainfall amounts will vary significantly across the region. Some areas could see as little as a tenth of an inch while others could see over 2 inches. The highest rainfall totals will be most likely along and just ahead of the cold front. Once the front passes, drier air will filter into the region which will limit rainfall amounts.

Impacts to the upcoming weekend

Any lingering showers or storms will come to an end by Friday morning. With high pressure building into the region, mostly sunny skies and comfortable conditions are expected for the upcoming weekend. High temperatures will be in the low 80s with low humidity values. Overnight lows will fall back into the 50s.