It is a very warm afternoon around the region, with temperatures in the 70s in most areas, with the exception of Pineville, which is in the lower 80s!
It is also relatively humid around the area, with dew points in the 50s in most locations.
When combined with a strong cold front and atmospheric conditions that are conducive for severe storms to form (strong mid-level winds from the west in this case), a rough late afternoon and evening is expected around the region weather-wise. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 11 p.m. for the entire WOAY StormWatch area.
Our Futurecast model wants to bring the storms in a little later, but regardless of when they show up, they will very likely be severe. The timing looks like it will be from around the evening commute to around Midnight, with the storms somewhat weaker in the more southerly parts of the area due to the loss of the daytime heating and less favorable dynamics in the atmosphere.
The main threat is for damaging winds. But, large hail and even an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.
There could also be some heavy rainfall with the storms, as there is enough moisture in the atmosphere to produce rainfall rates that will lead to ponding water on roads and standing water in low-lying spots. The good news is that the line is a quick mover, and training storms – the kind that might produce significant flooding are not expected.
Once the storms are gone, the weather will cool off significantly compared to today, but later this week, the 70s are back. While another storm system is expected for the first half of Easter Weekend, severe weather is not expected at this time.
