CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) – Unseasonably warm temperatures reaching June-like levels in the low 80s and breaking some records, prevailed Tuesday. These readings over 20 degrees above average for early March. Still warm and increasingly breezy Wednesday, ahead of an approaching, strong cold front. First Alert Weather Day Wednesday afternoon and evening. Watching for the potential of a few severe storms to develop. Time frame between 2 PM – 8 PM. A few spotty showers are possible to start the day, along with clouds and some breaks of sun. By afternoon, more sun is expected and this may add more instability to the atmosphere for storms to develop and with stronger winds aloft, to turn severe. A level 2 out of 5, Slight risk, is outlooked for our area Wednesday. The main threat, damaging wind gusts over 58 mph, some spotty, large hail and while low, but not zero, an isolated tornado. Just remain “Weather Aware” Wednesday.
Thursday – AM Rain and Temp Tumble
The better chance for rain is late Wednesday night into Thursday morning. During this time, temperatures will fall, as the cold front works across the Mid-Atlantic region. Temperatures will drop well over 20 degrees from the 70s and low 80s Wednesday to the 50s and 40s into Thursday. This is a return to more March temperatures. Overall rain amounts a half inch of less for most locations.
7 Day Forecast
Drier and breezy Friday. Temperatures will warm back up over the weekend into the milder 60s, ahead of the next cold front. This front may bring some late day showers Sunday. The turn sharply cooler with showers Monday. A colder Saint Patrick’s Day expected with highs in the upper 30s to low 40s.
Keep checking back here and to the 29 First Alert Weather app for updates…