Oak Hill, WV (WOAY-TV): The upper low to our south that has been bringing the clouds and the occasional spit is guaranteed to bring more widespread showers late this week.
FORECAST DISCUSSION FOR LACK OF RAINFALL SO FAR: The rainfall so far has fallen short of par for the course. The reason is that our region has been under a blanket of clouds near the circulation center and the most robust rainfall is centered to the east in the more unstable air mass.
WEDNESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY OUTLOOK: The circulation center will move north into Pennsylvania this week and then slide off the East Coast. As this occurs, each county will see a handful of showers, starting with areas south of I-64 and east of Route 219 on Wednesday and then 95% of the region (from Tazewell to Pocahontas County) Thursday and Friday. The rain will be most widespread Thursday and Friday with a 20% risk for flooding.
THIS WEEKEND: The upper low will push east, so while there is an 80% risk for rain Saturday, coverage of the rain will be widely scattered and we don’t see a risk to cancel outdoor activities based on the forecast. Sunday is going to be dry and warmest day of the week under transient high pressure.
EARLY NEXT WEEK: A frontal system will push through Monday and Tuesday bringing a likely threat for more rain. At the present time, there is no upside risk to severe weather or flooding.
IF YOU PLAN TO FLOAT OR WHITE WATER RAFT THE NEW RIVER THIS WEEKEND: Be mindful that despite the lack of rain along Route 19, the river level will rise appreciably since the headwaters in North Carolina have been seeing copious rainfall. Below is a screenshot of a significant rise from a location along the river near the Virginia and North Carolina border. The river flows north, so later this week into the weekend is the optimal time for the level to rise locally.
Chief Meteorologist Chad Merrill’s Latest Forecast:
ATLANTIC TROPICS: Tropical Storm Bret will stay on a eastward course into the Caribbean Sea and stay far enough south to not get intertwined with any weather systems that impact our region. Bottom line… it will not impact our weather. The other cluster of clouds behind Bret will likely become Tropical Storm Cindy later this week.
