Smoky skies continue as heat increases Wednesday
Tonight features mostly clear skies, which once again will still be a bit hazy at times with smoke visible in the sky from Canadian wildfires. That should create a really nice sunset tonight again! It's not nearly as cool overnight with high pressure shifting to our east, enabling a southerly breeze to kick in, with lows in the mid to upper 50s.
Wednesday has a shot at becoming the hottest day of the year so far – Beckley's warmest temperature so far is 84 degrees, and we will make a run into the mid 80s with partly sunny skies and a south to southeasterly wind dragging warmer and dry air into the region once again. We will still have some haze around once again, so expect those interesting sunsets to continue.
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Thursday sees a bit of humidity return to the region along with the aforementioned heat, as we see our wind direction begin to change and arrive from the southwest, dragging moist air from the Gulf out ahead of our next system. Once again, high temperatures should have no problem reaching the 80s, with a few towns in our western counties likely flirting with 90 degrees on the bank thermometers. We will stay dry but our next system will be approaching late, with an isolated shower or two possible after dark.
Friday sees a slow-moving cold front approach the region by the afternoon, which will provide the risk for a few scattered showers and storms in the afternoon. There will be a good bit of dry time during the day, but our weather will become more unsettled the later the day goes. A combination of heat, humidity and marginally unstable air will allow for a few thunderstorms to pop up. Though the severe weather risk overall is low – a strong wind gust or two can't be ruled out along with small hail, with highs around 80.
Saturday will be an unsettled day with scattered showers and storms likely as an area of low pressure moves along the aforementioned front that will still be near the region. As a result, the day looks to provide a few chances for storms with highs dipping back into the mid 70s with the abundant clouds and showers that will be expected. A few storms will once again be possible as well, with the strongest providing the potential for gusty winds and small hail.
Sunday sees Saturday's system scoot down to our south and stall along the North Carolina/Virginia border. The close proximity of that front to our region means we will still see the risk for a couple of showers early with afternoon drying. The afternoon features partly sunny skies with highs in the mid 70s.
Monday returns the risk for a few scattered storms with another front approaching. As a result, a few scattered thunderstorms are a good bet with highs in the upper 70s. Once again, there will be plenty of dry time.
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Tuesday sees high pressure return from the Great Lakes, which will usher in drier and slightly cooler air into the region with plenty of sunshine expected and high temperatures in the mid to upper 70s.
Looking ahead in your extended forecast, there is no real sign of any big cooldown. Another dry day with high pressure in control on Wednesday will be followed by chances for afternoon isolated storms Thursday into Friday with heat and humidity building. Highs on Wednesday will be in the upper 70s. Highs on Thursday and Friday will be back into the 80s.
TONIGHTMostly clear. Still hazy. Not as cool. Lows in the mid 50s.WEDNESDAYMostly sunny. Summer-like! Still hazy. Highs in the mid 80s.THURSDAYPartly sunny. Hot and becoming humid. Highs in the low to mid 80s.FRIDAYScattered afternoon storms. Highs around 80.SATURDAYShowers and storms likely. Highs in the mid 70s.SUNDAYIsolated showers south early. Afternoon sun. Highs in the mid 70s.MONDAYFew scattered storms, plenty of dry time. Highs in the upper 70s.TUESDAYMostly sunny. Nice! Highs in the mid 70s.WEDNESDAYMostly sunny. Highs near 80.THURSDAYIsolated afternoon storms. Highs in the low 80s.FRIDAYIsolated afternoon storms. Highs in the low 80s.
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