Severe Storms Possible Wednesday

There is the risk for severe storms later this afternoon and evening in Central Virginia as an upper impulse swings through our area around a large, closed low-pressure system to our north in the Great Lakes. Surface dew point temperatures are not that impressive this afternoon, though, only in the 50's and low to mid-60's. Despite limited lower-level moisture, the strong disturbance moving through our area coupled with peak afternoon heating should initiate storms over the higher terrain first, then overspread into Central Virginia through the late afternoon and evening. The primary risk will be for damaging winds, although large hail and isolated tornadoes are also possible.
--Carrie

Fourth of July Forecast

At this time, it looks like the Fourth of July on Saturday should be dry and very warm in the upper 80's, whether you plan to be in Richmond or Petersburg, head to the beach, or brave I-95 northbound up to D.C. for the big fireworks show. By Sunday, there may be a few showers and storms in the state, but at this time, chances appear relatively low.

We'll have updates on the holiday weekend forecast through the week!

--Carrie

River Levels Continue To Drop

With the exception of a downpour last Friday night, the past several days have been relatively dry. Consequently, river levels have been steadily dropping. In fact, the James is about to drop below 5' near the city.



In addition, most river and stream levels are about normal - indicated by the green dots on the map below.



Chances for rain will remain slim for most of this workweek. Isolated light showers will be possible on Tuesday and Wednesday...that's about it. For this reason, I'm expecting river levels to continue to drop heading into the upcoming Holiday weekend.

Spotty Showers

A line of widely scattered showers has entered the Virginia Piedmont and will quickly pass Richmond and Petersburg over the next hour. The atmosphere is extremely stable, so the chances for thunderstorms are very slim.

Comfortable This Morning

Temperatures were generally in the mid 60s this morning, however, Emporia and Staunton started in the upper 50s. It's been awhile since I've seen that!

We will have a mixture of sun and clouds through the rest of today with a slight chance for a stray shower in the late afternoon and evening.

Few Storms Possible Friday

A weak cool front will move into the Commonwealth Friday afternoon, bringing the chance for scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. A few may become severe, with the main threat being for strong, straight-line wind damage. Low-level moisture is in place across the region, and afternoon highs are expected to climb into the low 90's once again.

Despite this frontal passage, highs will still be in the low 90's this weekend. Another weak front will move into the area Sunday, bringing another chance for scattered storms.
--Carrie