Keep the umbrella handy for periods of rain, locally heavy downpours, and potentially strong to severe thunderstorms today as a cold front approaches the region. It is quite humid this morning with dew points in the 70s and an air temperature in the low-to-mid 70s.
The key ingredient for potentially strong thunderstorms is the destabilization and warming of the lower-levels of the atmosphere. Cloud cover will hamper diurnal destabilization today, though. Any lingering rain and thunderstorm activity will end later this evening as the front accelerates and crosses the region. Tonight's lows will drop into the 60s under clearing skies late.
The silver lining is the weekend forecast. It looks like a winner. Tomorrow will feature a mix of sunshine and afternoon clouds with a high temperature in the mid 80s. The dew point is expected to drop into the 50s later in the day, according to the latest NAM/MOS guidance. Sunday will be mostly sunny, dry, and delightful with a high in the upper 70s to close to 80 degrees. Enjoy the weekend.
Paul
