Plan for the worst, hope for the best Wednesday forecast as storms loom

Wednesday dayside we’re warming up with hazy sunshine into the mid 80s by the afternoon. High humidity pushes heat index values, or what it feels like outside, into the mid and upper 90s for our western counties.

In this ‘soupy’ airmass, pop up thunderstorms are likely for our southwestern counties. The farther north and east away from Beckley, the less likely to see storms during the day. Just don’t let your guard down as we are expecting storms this evening.

An area of low pressure in Nebraska will be kicking up thunderstorms today that follow our jet stream to the south and east, eventually making their way just shy of our southwestern counties. From 8pm to midnight, a line of storms will race through with strong winds and very heavy rain. The father southwest you are of Beckley (Tazewell, McDowell, Wyoming county) the more likely of seeing severe weather during this time.

A plan for the worst, hope for the best approach will be best. If storms slide farther southwest, we’ll deal with a few garden variety storms. A little farther to the east, and we’ll be talking about damaging winds and flooding rains. Our StormTracker 59 app can keep you and your family safe with up to the minute alerts, warnings, and interactive radar to monitor these storms as they push in.

Regardless, showers and thunderstorms should be expected tonight through the overnight hours for all in our viewing area. Temps will remain elevated near the 70 degree mark for overnight lows as the humid air makes for a great AC night. Closer to dawn, storms fade away leaving us with a drier start to Thursday.

Thursday morning will start dry as did Wednesday, but showers will begin to move in closer to midday and points after. Waves of thunderstorms and showers can be expected with heavy rain taking top concern. As top layers of soil become saturated, runoff leading to street flooding becomes more probable when downpours move over the same areas. Storm drains can become overwhelmed in these kind of days.

Highs manage to reach the upper 80s with sunshine peaking through and warmer air surging north. High humidity will make the day feel like we’re in the mid to upper 90s. The passing showers we see won’t bring much relief in this regard. A strong storm or two is possible with damaging winds the most concerning towards the late afternoon and evening. Storms continue to push through most of the night.

Friday again features scattered showers and afternoon thunderstorms as temps rise near the 90 degree mark. Heavy rain from time to time will cause visibility issues on the roads. Stuck between two systems, we’ll benefit from some dry time between showers for errands but mowing the grass may be troublesome for larger yards. A few stronger storms possible towards the evening with damaging winds, again, taking top concern.

Saturday is a bit drier on the morning side but clouds increase for the afternoon with scattered showers becoming more widespread as the day gets on. Highs take a small hit with a cold front crossing only managing the low to mid 80s. Heavy rain will likely lead to isolated flooded roadways as water runs off our mountainous terrain. Showers remain likely through the night into Sunday morning.

Sunday starts gloomy with scattered showers that become more isolated into the afternoon. Some dry time can be found but don’t be surprised by an afternoon downpour and occasional thunderstorm. Highs remain near average in the low to mid 80s. We will start to see high pressure scooting in which will help slowly clear us up into the overnight hours. Highs remain near average in the low to mid 80s.

Monday a morning shower for the eastern mountains is possible but otherwise we start the day with morning fog and a muggy feel. Highs are slightly cooler in the low to mid 80s but with high pressure hanging close by, it’ll be hard for showers to form despite the towering clouds that build in the afternoon. One or two may squeeze out a few drops towards the evening over the mountains in what will otherwise be a dry night with lows in the low to mid 60s.

Tuesday starts dry with temps rising into the mid 80s. Higher humidity making the day feel much warmer. As clouds build into the afternoon, a shower or two, again towards the mountains, possible with a better chance into Wednesday. Overnight, cloudy skies build in past midnight as lows stay near the low to mid 60s.

In your extended forecast, we’re looking to bring the temps up and continue with the early August heat and humidity. The kind of air which fosters afternoon pop-up thunderstorms and downpours. While the rain is welcomed, storms and heavy flooding rains are not which we will have to continue to watch for. Will it be enough rain over the next 10 days to save our fall foliage as signs of stress show up in our trees? Time will tell, but we’re making good progress for most so far.

WEDNESDAY
Humid, passing heavy rain, PM t-storms. Highs in the low 80s.
THURSDAY
Getting hotter, still rainy at times. Highs in the mid to upper 80s.
FRIDAY
Hot & humid. Heavy downpours and t-storms PM. Highs near 90 degrees.
SATURDAY
Drier start, PM heavy rain/t-storms. Cooler. Highs in the low 80s.
SUNDAY
Split day. Sun and showers from time to time. Highs in the low 80s.
MONDAY
Mostly dry day, occasional shower PM. Highs in the mid 80s.
TUESDAY
Hazy, hot, humid. Iso. PM T-storm. Highs in the upper 80s.
WEDNESDAY
August heat and humidity. Iso t-storm PM. Highs near 90.
THURSDAY
Sun then showers and t-storms. Highs near 90 again.
FRIDAY
Sun with building clouds, PM Storms. Highs near 90.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.