169
FXUS62 KCAE 161912
AFDCAE

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Columbia SC
312 PM EDT Fri Aug 16 2024

.SYNOPSIS...
High pressure will be over the area today. As a cold front
approaches the Southeast US this weekend, moisture and rain
chances return. Drier air and cooler temperatures are on tap for
early to mid next week.

&&

.NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/...
Key Message(s):

- Slight chance for a passing shower or two, especially over the
  far north and west.

Upper trough centered over the Great Lakes will begin to dig as
it moves east through the period. The upper ridge over the
Southeastern US will weaken in response to this with surface
high pressure moving offshore. This change in the Synoptic
pattern has allowed moisture to return across the FA this
afternoon with PWATs currently between 1.5 and 2 inches.
Satellite imagery this afternoon shows more robust cumulus
development compared to yesterday with a few very light returns
appearing on radar. Instability is very weak with SBCAPE
generally between 500 and 1000 J/kg and no significant trigger
in place. This means that the region should remain mostly dry
this afternoon and evening with only a low (less than 20
percent) chance of a shower or two. The best chance for showers
will be across our far northern and western CWA as guidance
continues to suggest a showers may approach from the Upstate
this evening. Temperatures is on track to reach the upper 80s
to lower 90s with lows forecast to fall into the lower 70s.

&&

.SHORT TERM /SATURDAY THROUGH SUNDAY NIGHT/...
Key Message(s):

- Showers and thunderstorm chances return for the weekend.
- A few thunderstorms may be strong with damaging wind gusts as the
primary severe hazard, particularly on Sunday.

Warm Saturday as upper ridge axis moves offshore and upper trough
moves into the Great Lakes region. Moisture remains high over the
area with PWAT values between 1.7" and 2". Showers and thunderstorms
are expected Saturday in conjunction with a pre-frontal trough with
a cold front still west of the region. Best chance will remain over
the western Midlands closer to the incoming front, mainly in the
afternoon and evening hours. Confidence is on the lower end for
coverage, with a lack of upper support for much of the peak heating
hours. High temperatures Saturday back into the lower 90s, with lows
in the lower 70s.

Better dynamics on Sunday with the front approaching and passing
through the area. Expect additional showers and thunderstorms with
better organization given stronger shear and more upper level
support. Convection could be stronger to marginally severe, mainly
with the threat for damaging winds. Convection may last a little
into the evening hours, but then should end with the front passing
late Sunday night into Monday. Drier air then begins to filter into
the region. Temperatures similar to Saturday, with highs in the low
to middle 90s possible, and lows around 70 Sunday night.

&&

.LONG TERM /MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/...
Key Message(s):

- Lower rain chances much of the week with drier air over the region.

Cold front moves east of the area Monday with drier air filtering in
from the west. Upper troughiness hangs around much of the week, but
surface high pressure will translate east across the Great Lakes and
into New England before ridging down the coast mid to late week.
Ensemble mean PWAT values are below 1.5", particularly during the
middle of the week when they may approaching 1". This should set us
up for a drier period along with slightly cooler temperatures, with
highs in the 80s and lows down into the mid to upper 60s.

&&

.AVIATION /17Z FRIDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
VFR Conditions Likely to Continue...

Satellite imagery shows SCT cumulus at the terminals this
afternoon with winds out of the southwest. High pressure will
continue to shift east this afternoon and into the overnight
hours. However, limited instability should prevent widespread
shower development with the best chance of rain off to the
northwest. Winds weaken this evening as high clouds move
overhead. Rain chances are higher on Saturday but it appears the
terminals will remain dry through the current TAF period.

EXTENDED AVIATION OUTLOOK...Isolated to scattered showers and
thunderstorms are possible on Saturday and especially Sunday,
primarily during the afternoon and evening hours.

&&

.CAE WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
SC...None.
GA...None.

&&

$$