Short-Term Forecast
Tonight: Gusty thunderstorms early, possibly severe. Conditions will turn partly cloudy overnight. Low: 62°F.
Friday: Expect mostly sunny skies and less humidity. High: 83°F.
Friday Night: Mostly clear to partly cloudy and still comfortable. Low: 65°F.
Forecast Summary
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for the entire area until 9 p.m. tonight. This watch means conditions are favorable for severe weather. An approaching cold front will bring a risk of severe thunderstorms through this evening.
The Storm Prediction Center has placed most of the area in an elevated level 3 out of 5 risk for severe weather. If any storms do become severe, expect damaging wind gusts, hail, and possibly an isolated tornado.
Due to the moisture in the atmosphere, storms could bring heavy downpours that may lead to localized flooding. Once the cold front moves through, we’ll get a break from the heat and humidity on Friday. However, temperatures and humidity will rise again over the weekend and into next week, bringing hot sunshine.
Detailed Forecast
Thursday Night
As the cold front moves through, expect showers and gusty thunderstorms, some of which could become severe. The Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 9 p.m. tonight, as conditions remain favorable for severe weather.
The main threat will be strong, damaging straight-line winds, though all types of severe weather— including hail and isolated tornadoes— are possible. Even outside the severe criteria, heavy rain is likely due to the already saturated atmosphere.
This could lead to localized flooding in areas where storms bring intense downpours. Once the front passes, humidity will drop, skies will clear, and temperatures will fall to the lower 60s overnight.
Friday
After the cold front passes, expect a less humid day with mostly sunny skies. Temperatures will be in the lower to middle 80s. Overnight temperatures will remain comfortable, dropping to the mid-60s. Summer officially begins at 10:41 p.m. Friday night, marking the start of the new season.
Weekend
The first weekend of summer will feel like it, with temperatures and humidity on the rise. Saturday will be warm with highs in the mid to upper 80s. By Sunday, temperatures could reach into the 90s, with heat indices likely reaching the triple digits.
It’s important to take precautions in the heat, especially after a cool stretch of weather. The weekend will be mainly dry, with hot sunshine throughout. There is a slight chance of an isolated shower or thunderstorm, especially in the northern areas.
Early Next Week
Expect oppressive heat and humidity to continue into next week, with 90s expected throughout. With elevated humidity, temperatures may feel like the triple digits. This could mark the arrival of the first heat wave of the season, which is defined as three consecutive days of temperatures in the 90s. The next chance for showers and storms is likely to arrive by the end of the week.
Tonight’s thunderstorms may be severe, with the possibility of damaging winds, hail, and even an isolated tornado. The cold front will bring some relief on Friday with cooler, less humid weather.
However, the weekend will bring a return of heat, with temperatures in the 90s and heat indices in the triple digits. Stay safe, hydrated, and be mindful of the weather as we head into a hot and potentially dangerous stretch of heat.
