ROANOKE, Va. – Friday evening update
The Weather Authority Alert Day for Wednesday and Thursday has expired.
Thursday evening update
We have several severe thunderstorm warnings right now impacting portions of the NRV, Roanoke Valley, and southern Shenandoah. We have also seen 60 mph gusts, quarter-size hail, heavy rain, and lots of thunder in lightning in these cells as they continue to move erratically and slowly. These storms should dissipate over the next couple of hours.
Thursday Afternoon Update
Summer is truly not going down without a fight. It has been another hazy, hot and humid day. Current temperatures remain in the 80s and 90s.
Although in comparison to yesterday, temperatures are cooler, high dewpoints are bringing the “feels like” temperatures into the triple digits.
High heat, humidity and a frontal boundary have all come together to provide strong storms across the viewing area this afternoon and evening. Storms will dissipate during the later evening hours.
Tomorrow will feature a similar weather story.
The majority of the viewing area, barring portions of the highlands, northern Nelson and northeastern Appomattox counties are under a Marginal Risk tomorrow. This is a one out of a five on the SPC’s rating scale. Storms tomorrow afternoon could bring similar risks to this afternoon: damaging winds, hail and heavy rainfall.
Thursday Morning Update
The heat and humidity return today. When both are taken into consideration, we get our heat index value, and boy oh boy is it going to feel hot out there once again. Have a look at how hot some of us feel this afternoon.
The overall setup also favors the chance for showers and storms to develop. Some of which may be strong to severe.
Here is a look at 4:00pm this afternoon. Showers and storms are expected to start popping up around this time.
By 8:00pm tonight, showers and storms are more scattered and begin to push further east into the Lynchburg area, and Southside.
Some storms will likely get to severe status as there will be plenty of fuel in the form of heat and humidity. The risk for today is marginal, or a level 1/5.
There is also the chance for some flash flooding to take place because of heavy localized rainfall.
Wednesday Afternoon Update
Here is a look at tonight’s low temperatures. We will cool down into the 60s and 70s, with most areas staying unseasonably warm.
Humidity will dominate the region not just overnight, but tomorrow as well.
If you are spending any amount of time outside tomorrow, be sure to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks inside. The heat, humidity and a frontal boundary will fuel showers and storms, some that may be strong to severe.
Tomorrow the entirety of the viewing area is under a “marginal” risk from the Storm Prediction Center, which is a one out of a five on their rating scale. Beginning around 1pm, scattered storms are likely. Some of these storms may bring heavy rainfall and damaging wind gusts. Be sure to stay weather aware tomorrow afternoon!
Wednesday Morning Update
Here is a look at this afternoon’s high temperatures. A ton of us will see the mid-upper 90s later in the day.
The muggy meter is showing humid and tropical conditions all day long. It will be sticky and oppressive out there, keep cool and hydrated!
When we factor in both the heat and the humidity, we get our heat index (feels like) value. These will be anywhere from 90-95° across the New River Valley, and 100-105° for every other zone. A couple of spots could feel even hotter during the peak heat this afternoon.
Here is a look at some of the record high temperatures for the day. Most date back to 1948, and some areas come very close to tying or breaking this record at some point in the afternoon.
Tuesday Update
Summer is really kicking in this week with above-average temperatures across the majority of the East Coast of the United States. Here at home, we’ll be feeling like the triple digits.
High temperatures reach the mid and upper 90s Wednesday afternoon. The hottest spots will be along and east of Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
A couple of daily record temperatures are in jeopardy as well. Lynchburg, Roanoke and Blacksburg will all be within 3 degrees of the daily record.
Here is a look at the peak heat index, or the “real feel” on Wednesday. The further east, the hotter it will feel outside.
One of the primary reasons our temperatures will be so high is because of downsloping winds. On the lee side (downwind side) of mountains, the air sinks. When air sinks, compressional warming and drying takes place. This will raise temperatures a little bit, but it will also lower the dewpoints a tad.
On top of the heat and humidity, we will see a stationary front stall to our north on Wednesday. There is a chance we see a couple of isolated showers and storms in the afternoon/evening.
The peak heat index is even higher on Thursday. We could see a “real feel” over 100° in most counties during the afternoon. This will be dependent on cloud cover throughout the day. More clouds mean we don’t get as hot.
Similar to Wednesday, Thursday brings the chance for showers and storms. This time, the likelihood is much greater because a warm front will be closer by. A few storms that develop could be on the strong to severe side.
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