Wednesday evening update:
This Weather Authority Alert Day has been cleared.
Wednesday Morning Update
Heat potential is highest along the Midwest today with heat alerts encompassing most of the eastern half of the Country.
Peak heat index values across Southwest Virginia will be upwards of 100° for Roanoke, Lynchburg, and Southside. The NRV and Highlands will feel between 90 and 100 degrees.
Isolated showers and storms will also develop this afternoon. A few strong thunderstorms are likely to develop across the region.
Showers and storms continue into the evening before eventually tapering off.
Good news! If you are tired of the heat, relief is on the way. This upcoming weekend will feature temperatures in the upper 70s and lower 80s.
Tuesday Morning Update
Heat and humidity are expected to dial back in later in the day, with temperatures in the low to mid-90s. While it’ll be cooler than previous days, it will still be hot enough to cause some additional heat stress.
We may see some rainfall come into the region by the mid-afternoon to early evening hours.
Wednesday will mark the hottest day of the week thus far, with temperatures in the mid to upper 90s. That combined with ample moisture will lead to ‘feels like’ temperatures in the triple digits.
Much more rainfall arrives Thursday and Friday, with widespread showers and storms likely. As we go into the weekend, conditions clear up and cool down with temperatures in the upper 70s to low 80s.
Monday Morning update
A tad cooler today, but still hot and humid nonetheless. We’re watching for a few showers and storms that could develop within the region later on. Heat advisories are in effect for some of our southside counties as well.
Sunday Evening Update
Heat alerts have been extended to portions of Franklin and Bedford counties. The heat advisory will expire at 8 PM, but may be reissued for tomorrow’s heat as well.
Along with the remaining heat, we are still dealing with showers and storms as of 6:09 PM Sunday evening. The precipitation will exit later this evening, with skies clearing by Monday morning.
Although we have clearing skies to start off our workweek tomorrow, heat indices will easily reach triple digits once again. It will be another hot week in Central and Southwest Virginia! Stay weather aware, as this heat can be dangerous if underestimated.
If you are ready for a break in the heat, this latest temperature outlook for the Climate Prediction Center is promising! We will finally have below-average temperatures for the latter half of the workweek! Unfortunately, they will not stick around for too long.
Sunday Morning Update
Not a ton has changed in the forecast, with much hotter conditions on the way. Tuesday and Wednesday appear to be the most brutal for heat, with temperatures in the upper 90s along with substantial moisture in the atmosphere.
We could see some isolated showers and storms today and for the next few days. Some of these storms could be strong with damaging winds and downpours.
Later in the week a strong cold front moves through the region and brings in some widespread rainfall. That comes along with a massive cooldown where temperatures drop into the 80s.
Saturday Evening Update
The heat dome continues to bring blistering heat to Southwest and Central Virginia. Increased heat and humidity will also fuel storms each afternoon this week.
Peak heat indices will reach triple digits in the New River Valley, Roanoke Valley, Southside, and Lynchburg Zones.
Be sure to stay weather aware tomorrow! The National Weather Service has already extended heat advisories for the counties highlighted in orange for 12 PM-8 PM Sunday.
We will get a break from the heat towards the end of next week, but until then, we have extended the Weather Authority Alert Day due to the threat of dangerous heat through next Wednesday.
Saturday Morning Update
It’s already feeling warm and humid outside, with plenty of sunshine to heat us up further.
This heat wave continues for the next several days, with Alert Days likely to go until Wednesday. Heat indices will be over 100 for most of the region, making it easy to succumb to heat exhaustion.
Showers and storms remain possible with the heat and humidity still around. Chances will ramp up by late week when a strong cold front moves through, which will put an end to this heat wave.
Temperatures drop into the upper 70s to low 80s throughout the area next weekend, so there is relief in sight. However, we’ll need to pay extra attention to this brutal heat for the foreseeable future.
Friday Evening Update
Heat alerts have now been issued across portions of the Southside and Lynchburg Zones. The counties highlighted in orange will be placed under a heat advisory starting at Noon on Saturday and will expire at 8 PM.
The image below is why we have those heat alerts in place! Heat indices will easily rise into the triple digits for the majority of the viewing area tomorrow, if not Sunday!
Continue to stay weather aware next week as the heat dome will still be building into the area! Stay hydrated this weekend and take frequent breaks if you have to be outside!
Friday Morning Update
A Weather Authority Alert Day has been issued for a dangerous heatwave that will begin this weekend.
Temperatures have been creeping up over the past few days. Increased humidity will join the high heat, causing “feels-like” temperatures to soar.
Heat index values both days will easily be in the triple digits for the majority of Southwest Virginia.
When feels-like temperatures reach these heights, heat alerts are issued by the National Weather Service.
It is important during these days when we meet the heat criteria to stay hydrated, limit time in the heat outdoors, and check in on elderly neighbors!