Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Columbia, SC
Issued by NWS Columbia, SC
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285 FXUS62 KCAE 162337 AFDCAE Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Columbia SC 737 PM EDT Fri Aug 16 2024 .SYNOPSIS... 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): - Some scattered thunderstorms are possible across the northern Midlands between 9p-12a. Scattered-linear thunderstorms are continuing to push southeast across NC, eventually expected to push down into the Upstate and potential the Midlands. Water vapor shows the associated shortwave trough aloft that is triggering this convection with some modest shear and decent instability. Instability has peaked across our area, with high temps dropping back down into the upper 80`s as of 7pm and dew points in the low 70`s; RAP mesoanalysis paints about 1000 J/kg across the western Midlands. Surface instability will quickly decrease after about 8pm, and any convection should become elevated as it moves across the Upstate. HRRR wind swaths support this, with up to 30 mph wind gusts within any line that does stay organized into the Midlands. All the short range guidance is then consistent in dissipating any remaining convection across the Midlands shortly after 04z. && .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 FRIDAY/... 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 /00Z SATURDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY/... VFR Conditions through the period. With loss of heating this evening the majority of the cu has dissipated across the taf locations. Further off to the west, convection across the southern Appalachians will move east and into the Piedmont through 04z. Most guidance shows this activity diminishing before moving into any of the taf locations tonight. HOwever, there should still be some mid and/or upper level cloudiness moving across the region associated with the associated shortwave late tonight. VFR conditions will remain overnight into Saturday. By Saturday afternoon, isolated showers and storms will begin to develop, but confidence in local impacts is low at this time. As for winds, light and variable overnight, then light and possible southwesterly Saturday ahead of an approaching cold front that will be west of the region. EXTENDED AVIATION OUTLOOK...Isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible Saturday Night and especially Sunday, primarily during the afternoon and evening hours. && .CAE WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... SC...None. GA...None. && $$