Small speedbump into the weekend but a strong summer-like finish awaits

Friday will be a mixed bag kind of day as a warm front approaches bringing changes throughout the day. High pressure towards our northeast and drier air keeps us dry to start with sun and clouds for most. Southeast winds drive the day keeping our eastern counties cooler and cloudier than our western counties. East of I-77 will struggle into the low 60s by the afternoon while those west will see a bit more sunshine and temps in the upper 60s. Winds will increase 10-15mph early pushing 15-20mph this afternoon with gusts 25-30mph at times.

By the late afternoon and early evening, clouds increase ahead of a warm front. Early evening plans look ok but late night plans run the risk of a scattered shower or two. Most of the rain will hold off until the early morning hours of our Saturday. With stout southeast winds and cloud cover, temps remain mild in the low 50s all night.

Saturday our warm front continues to push northeast with a few showers likely, especially early on. By lunchtime, showers dwindle with mostly cloudy skies remaining. Winds are still elevated 20-30mph at times so temps will be split with the low 70s west of I-77 and the upper 60s towards the east.

As high pressure builds in slowly, clouds break and sunshine peeks through in the afternoon. The clearing trend continues into the night for a comfortable evening with winds relaxing some. Lows dip into the low 50s as winds shift out of the southwest overnight.

Sunday with high pressure in control and southwest winds, we warm up quickly from the 50s into the 70s by midday. Many of us will be pushing into the upper 70s by the late afternoon with a few 80s showing up for our lowland communities. Enjoy the day and summer-like preview. Gardeners, we’re looking in good shape with long range forecasts staying well above average. The exception being those in the higher elevations, frost doesn’t look to be a threat anytime soon.

Monday features a few more clouds than Sunday but nothing that will stop us from warming up into the low to mid 80s. A summer preview for the afternoon as humidity returns. Clouds will roll in late evening ahead of a cold front expected early Tuesday morning. A few showers after midnight as overnight lows remain very mild for April in the upper 50s.

Tuesday early on heavy rain and even a rumble of thunder is expected for the morning commute. Timing is in our favor for severe weather threat with the first line of showers with standing water on roadways the main concern. A few breaks in the showers and clouds for the afternoon could provide enough sunshine for a popup shower and thunderstorm in the early evening. Severe weather risks for this are low with heavy rain, lightning, and winds being the main concern. Despite all this, highs are still expected to reach the mid to upper 70s.

Wednesday will be a scattered rain chance kind of day. Heat and humidity driven showers roam freely with afternoon highs remaining very warm in the upper 70s. April average temps are in the upper 60s. A rumble of thunder in the afternoon is possible as an upper level disturbance provides some instability in the atmosphere. Showers will be scattered in nature making our interactive radar very helpful for your plans.

Thursday an area of low pressure passes over the Great Lakes with an extending cold front will trigger a few heavy rounds of rain and isolated thunderstorm ahead of it. We’re still mild before the front moves in with the mid to upper 70s. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are likely into the night as lows hang in the mid 50s.

Friday our cold front finally arrives with morning showers and elevated winds. 15-20mph at times from the west which helps pull in drier and cooler air. Showers fade into the afternoon but with cool air, high fall into the low 70s. Still above average for April. As we clear up into the night we’ll cool back into the mid 40s for lows.

In your extended forecast we look to settle down a bit but temps return closer to average for this time of the year in the upper 60s. Outside of the higher elevations, frost threats are low for now. Many counties west of I-77 will see the end of the frost threats by the first week of May which is looking mild so far.

REMEMBER: Spring burn bans in West Virginia are in effect until May 31st. While Virginia’s ends April 30th, spring is a time when brushfires can spread quickly. Days of dry conditions and elevated winds can still be problematic for those wishing to burn brush. Using common sense can go a long way to protecting your home, safety, and wallets. Burning during a ban can carry fines over $1,000.

FRIDAY
Sun to clouds, windy, mild. Highs in the upper 60s.
SATURDAY
Morning showers fade, some sun PM. Highs in the low 70s.
SUNDAY
Sunny, breezy, very warm. Highs in the low 80s.
MONDAY
Heat, humidity, and sunshine. Highs in the mid 80s.
TUESDAY
Sct. showers, PM t-storms. Highs in the upper 70s.
WEDNESDAY
Sct. showers, some breaks. Highs in the upper 70s.
THURSDAY
Showers, T-storms, breezy. Highs in the mid 70s.
FRIDAY
AM rain, PM clearing, cooler, breezy. Highs in the low 70s
SATURDAY
Sunshine returns, cooler. Highs in the upper 60s.
SUNDAY
Sunny and seasonable. Highs in the mid 60s.
MONDAY
Sunshine and nice. Highs in the upper 60s.

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