Tropical Storm Arthur is expected to turn north today. A steady strengthening is forecast, with Arthur likely to achieve hurricane strength on Thursday as it approaches the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Dangerous swimming conditions will impact many of the East Coast’s beaches this week due to rip currents generated by Arthur.
Meanwhile, in the Piedmont, the atmosphere will be quite unstable, allowing every thunderstorm that forms to become strong. Several of the storms could produce damaging wind gusts and large hail, along with frequent lightning and locally heavy rainfall.
We have just a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms today, mainly after 3 p.m. Mostly sunny skies will bring the high to near 91 degrees. It’s a code yellow or moderate air day, with the main threats being ozone and pollution. And the UV index is very high, close to the extreme range. Protect yourself and your family by using sunscreen, wearing a hat and avoiding outside activity during the middle of the day.
The chance of rain goes up tonight to 40 percent, with a low around 72.
That 40 percent chance carries over to Thursday, with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 87. Thursday night, there’s still a chance of showers and storms, with a low of 66.
As long as Arthur keeps heading north, we should have a sunny and warm weekend and start to next week.
Independence Day will be sunny and hot, with a high of 86 and north winds at 7-11 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. It will be another code yellow air day, with pollution being the main problem.
Friday night will have a low of 62. Remember to be careful with fireworks Friday night. Dry conditions could easily lead to fire from the sparks.
Saturday will be sunny and near 84, with a low around 64. Sunday will be warmer, 86 again, with a low around 67. The warming trend continues Monday, with a high near 88 and a low around 69, and we’ll have a high of 91 for Tuesday.
There’s no mention of rain for the weekend or the new week ahead.
Please remember to take care of your pets on these sunny, hot days. They need plenty of cool, fresh water, a place in the shade or a spot in your air-conditioned house.