Pinpoint Weather: Hot Wednesday, increasing rain chances

ROANOKE, Va. ( WFXR ) — Hot and humid conditions are expected across Southwest and Central Virginia for Wednesday and Thursday. Increasing rain chances are anticipated for the latter half of the week.

It will be a mild start to Wednesday with morning temperatures in the 60s and lower 70s. Mostly to partly sunny skies will be overhead for the day with afternoon temperatures reaching the well above-average 90s.

Due to the muggy air, heat index values near 100 are possible east of the Blue Ridge for the afternoon. Isolated showers and storms may develop along and north of I-64.

A front will approach the region on Thursday, allowing for scattered showers and storms during the afternoon and evening. A few storms may pack a punch, so stay weather-aware. The main concerns are gusty winds, hail, and heavy rainfall. Highs will range from the upper 80s to the lower/middle 90s. Once again, heat index values near 100 are possible east of the Blue Ridge.

Scattered showers and storms will remain a daily occurrence through the weekend. Although all-day rain is not anticipated, you may want to keep the umbrella handy. Thunderstorms could produce locally heavy rainfall.

It will also become seasonably warm, starting on Friday. Highs will generally be in the near-average 80s while morning lows will be in the 60s.

The first half of the upcoming week looks drier and cooler. Due to a passing cold front, isolated showers and storms cannot be ruled out for Labor Day. Otherwise, a mix of sun and clouds will be overhead with highs in the upper 70s and lower/middle 80s. Tuesday will be fall-like with highs in the 70s.

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