WOAY-TV (Oak Hill, WV): Showers and a few thunderstorms have been moving through the region this morning. Some areas have been experiencing heavy rain, including Oak Hill. The morning commute will be slick, so be sure to drive carefully. Hydroplaning may be an issue, especially in those areas with heavy rain. Areas that are affected by repeated downpours will be susceptible to minor flooding issues, which will mainly show in the form of ponding water. On the bright side, the morning showers and storms will end up limiting storm strength this afternoon.
Rain continues in the afternoon before conditions slowly dry up in the evening. A lull in the activity will begin tonight, lasting through the overnight hours. Thursday morning will start on a better note as conditions stay dry, but there will be some complications for the afternoon and evening. Heat, humidity, and the possibility of strong thunderstorms will all complicate things. Meteorologist Christian Boteler has the latest forecast:
Scattered storms have the potential to start developing Thursday afternoon. With high humidity and temperatures reaching the upper 80s, there will be enough available energy for storms to utilize. The main concerns for strong to severe storms will be damaging winds and heavy rain, while hail is also in play. Thankfully, tornadic activity is not likely due to low wind shear. All activity will be highly diurnal, meaning that storms will be strongest at peak daytime hours before weakening and eventually dissipating overnight.
On Friday, temperatures will be in the mid- to upper 80s once again, continuing the stretch of hot and humid weather. This combined with the cold front passing through in the afternoon will cause more widespread showers and storms. There is potential for more strong storms, especially if no convection occurs in the morning. The same risks and timing from Thursday apply to Friday, so storms should weaken and dissipate overnight. Make sure to stay weather aware for the second half of the work week.
After the storms leave on Friday, conditions will be absolutely gorgeous on Saturday. Temperatures will be a few degrees lower, only getting into the low 80s. Humidity will be lower, and rain will be absent for the day. It will be the perfect time for a day doing whatever outdoor activities you want. The break will not last long though, as showers and storms return Sunday evening. Another cold front will pass through on Monday, starting next week on a good, rainy note. Rain might not sound fun, but it is still much-needed before we get into the drier El Niño pattern. Here’s a look at the 7-Day Forecast:
