Grab your umbrella ―Strong storm system the Upstate is in for some rainy weather heading into Thursday.The Blue Ridge Mountains are projected to receive the heaviest rainfall at 3 inches, according to the National Weather Service at Greenville-Spartanburg Airport. Down towards Laurens, rainfall will accumulate around an inch and a half. The Interstate 85 corridor will receive 2 inches of rainfall.
“After you get to Spartanburg, then it goes below 2 inches from there to Gaffney,” said Doug Outlaw with the NWS.
Thunderstorms and high wind gusts are also forecast. Flooding is not a significant threat at this time.
“We’re not expecting any significant areas of flooding unless there’s a lot of heavy rain at one location in a short period of time,” Outlaw said. “This is expected to be spread out over a day period.”
A look at today’s weather
Rain showers will begin before noon Tuesday with a 70% chance of precipitation. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch are possible. Southwest winds will be 6 to 9 mph. High 70 degrees.
Tonight, there will be a 30% chance of showers between 8 p.m. and midnight. South wind will become light and variable after midnight. Low 56 degrees.
Clemson University students walk to and from class Tuesday morning April 9, 2024.
Thunderstorms to roll in midnight Wednesday
Before 11 a.m. Wednesday, there will be a slight chance of showers and after 2 p.m. A light south wind will increase to 5 to 9 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 20%. High near 76 degrees.
On Wednesday night, there will be a chance of showers before midnight and a chance of thunderstorms between midnight and 1 a.m. Showers and a possible thunderstorm are likely after 1 a.m. Heavy rainfall is expected with some of these storms, with new rainfall amounts between three quarters and once inch possible. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Low around 62 degrees.
It is also expected to get very “breezy.”
“Speaking of wind with this particular system, it is expected to be rather breezy. Thursday and late Wednesday night, there will be winds of around 20 miles per hour with gusts around 30 miles per hour.” Outlaw said. “That’s late Wednesday night and continues into Thursday.”
What to know about Thursday’s wind gusts, heavy rainfall
Showers and a possible thunderstorm will continue into Thursday, with some storms producing heavy rainfall. It will be breezy with a south-southeast wind from 22-24 mph. Outlaw said wind gusts will be around 30-35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. High near 73 degrees.
Come nightfall, there will be a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 p.m. It will be breezy with a low of 51 degrees. Weather is expected to clear up on Friday with clear sunny skies and a high of 68 degrees.
We’ll keep the clouds around again on Wednesday, but raindrops will again remain unlikely. There might be the occasional stray raindrop here and there, but for the most part, areas will remain dry. Additionally, breezy southwest winds will help temperatures climb to the upper 70s with a few spots flirting with 80°.
As we move into Thursday, changes arrive with the approach of a cold front in the afternoon that will extend into the overnight hours. This front will bring scattered showers and a possibility of a few thunderstorms. While most of this activity will be typical of a passing cold front, there is a chance that some storms could be strong. The primary window for any severe weather is from mid afternoon Thursday into the overnight hours, with the main concern being the potential for wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph.
By the time Friday morning arrives, the front and any associated rain chances are expected to have moved off the coast, setting the stage for a great weekend. The forecast guidance promises sunny skies with temperatures gradually warming into the 70s and low 80s. This makes it an ideal time to consider planning some outdoor activities or simply enjoying the pleasant weather that’s on the way.
Overall, while there is a brief period during which the weather may turn a bit unsettled, the outlook for Eastern North Carolina suggests a quick return to enjoyable spring conditions. As always, it’s wise to stay informed on WITN, WITN.com and the WITN First Alert Weather App for the latest weather updates, especially for Thursday, but there’s no need for alarm. The severe weather risk is being closely monitored, and with precautions, everyone can continue to enjoy their week with minimal disruption.
Stay tuned to the WITN First Alert Weather App for more on upcoming changes in the weather. Plus the hourly and daily forecast for your town