It definitely started to warm up Wednesday, even more than we originally expected.  We will top out Wednesday afternoon near 90 degrees. The northwesterly wind is keeping the dewpoints/humidity very low for now, but all that is going to change.

Before we move on to the heat, we need to address the high fire danger.  Yes, it’s beautiful outside.  However, the winds are up, the humidity is low, and the rainfall deficit is climbing (now over 7″).  This is exactly the combination that fires thrive from.  Even though the humidity/dewpoints will start to climb the next few days, and we will get some thunderstorms, there is no soaking rain in the near future.  Add to the fact that we are heading into a holiday week with a lot of fireworks, bbq’ing, and camping.  Be smart and safe out there with any open flames.

Temperatures will climb to the 90s Thursday, and the dewpoints will get back in the 50s.  That is just the beginning, because temperatures will be in the upper 90s Friday with the dewpoints jumping to the 60s – making it feel closer to or over 100 degrees.  An excessive heat watch will go into effect Friday afternoon.  The high heat and humidity/dewpoints will continue through the weekend, likely forcing watches to be extended.  In fact, temperatures will top out in the 90s straight into next week.

There is the chance for a late-day thunderstorm both Saturday and Sunday afternoons, then a better chance on Monday again.

Debby is back out over the open Atlantic.  Now that it’s been picked up by our old front, it’s picking up some forward speed. It looks like Debby may gain some strength over the water, becoming a tropical storm once again. Winds are currently 35 mph and it only takes 39 mph to become a tropical storm.