ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Western North Carolina’s stretch of warm, sunny weather is coming to an end as showers and thunderstorms return to the forecast for much of the week.
The National Weather Service says scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms are expected daily through at least Friday as a series of weather systems moves across the region. While severe weather is not anticipated, some storms could produce heavy downpours, especially in the mountains.
Forecasters say a weak front moving into the area will help keep conditions moist and unstable through midweek, creating favorable conditions for the development of showers and thunderstorms during the hottest part of the day.
The greatest concern will be localized heavy rainfall. Although the overall flooding threat remains low, isolated areas could experience minor flooding if storms repeatedly move over the same location or produce intense rainfall rates.
For Asheville, rain chances increase Monday afternoon, with a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Temperatures are expected to top out near 83 degrees under mostly cloudy skies.
Rain becomes more likely Tuesday, when forecasters are calling for an 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms and a high near 79 degrees. Similar conditions are expected Wednesday and Thursday, with daily storm chances around 80 percent.
Patchy fog is also possible during the overnight and early morning hours, particularly after rainfall.
By late week and into the weekend, temperatures are expected to climb back into the upper 80s and lower 90s outside the mountains as high pressure briefly strengthens over the region. The humid air mass will remain in place, however, keeping daily thunderstorm chances in the forecast.
Forecasters say heat index values could approach 100 degrees in some locations south of Interstate 85 by the weekend.
While the week is not expected to bring widespread severe weather, residents should be prepared for periodic afternoon thunderstorms and keep umbrellas handy as summer-like conditions settle back into the mountains.hance of precipitation is 70%.
