WOAY-TV (Oak Hill, WV): While conditions this morning are calm, you may want to bring an umbrella or rain jacket for the evening and overnight commute. The frontal system we have been tracking for the last couple of days will finally approach the region, bringing scattered showers and storms this afternoon and evening. A couple of storms have potential to become strong with gusty winds, but these will be weaker than previous storms.
Aside from the low-end severe risk, the main concern today and this weekend is flooding. Showers and storms will eventually become widespread overnight and Saturday morning, ringing in a wetter weekend. Previous rainfall from earlier this week has made things more saturated than previous weeks, and isolated downpours may cause issues once again. Meteorologist Christian Boteler has the latest forecast:
Widespread rainfall continues through all of Saturday. There is another chance for a stronger storm or two. The Storm Prediction Center has put our entire viewing area in a marginal severe weather risk, citing damaging wind as the main danger. The “marginal” designation means they are expecting isolated severe weather. There will be decent instability and plenty of moisture that could drive a rogue gusty storm or two. However, morning activity and low wind shear should keep things limited.
Once again, the main issue will be flooding. The majority of this weekend’s rainfall will occur tomorrow, which will generally range from half an inch to an inch. However, it is possible isolated areas receive an inch and a half or more of rain. Any area that receives more than an inch of rainfall may deal with flooding issues. Rain will last through the night and into Sunday morning. Remember, do not drive or wade into flood waters if you encounter them. Turn around, don’t drown!
The rain will slowly dissipate through the day on Sunday, ending the first loop of the weather rollercoaster. However, this is not the end of the ride. A large heat dome will develop early next week, putting the eastern half of the nation in hot and dry weather. High temperatures will start in the mid- to upper 80s on Monday, but will quickly break the 90s across our region by Wednesday. These temperatures will cause issues for those sensitive to the heat or working outside for an extended period. Plenty of water and sun protection will be needed, especially later next week. Prepare to stay cool as we head towards America’s 250th Birthday! Here’s the latest 7-Day Forecast:
