Tuesday evening update:
We have issued a VIPIR 6 Alert Day for Wednesday due to the threat of severe weather (and extreme heat!). Just like today, the heat will be on for our Wednesday afternoon! High temperatures will be in the upper 90s to around 100 degrees. The entire CSRA will be under a heat advisory again from 1-8pm for the heat index up to 108.
An upper level low will bring a round of showers and storms between 5pm-2am Wednesday evening (worst of it between 6-11pm). With extreme heat and humidity, we have PLENTY of instability, meaning that every storm that develops can easily become strong to severe. In addition to 60-70 mph wind gusts and hail, we are also expecting some microbursts to occur. Exactly where is impossible to forecast, as the entire CSRA is under a slight risk (level 2/5) of severe weather. But please be aware that microbursts can bring tornado-like damage of downed trees, powerlines, and damage to homes. Microbursts are short-lived, around 2-5 minutes, but bring heavy rain and powerful winds, sometimes over 100 mph. They are common in the Summertime and you can think of it as “the bottom falling out!” They occur in environments like this, where it’s very hot and humid. Please keep in mind that not everyone will be impacted. These will be scattered storms, not widespread. But everyone will at least see rain and likely hear some loud thunder accompanied by lightning.
Speaking of lightning, there was a tragic incident today over at Lake Murray Public Park in Lexington, SC. 20 people were struck by a single lightning strike. 18 of those 20 were transported to nearby hospitals. Those 18 people included 6 adults and 12 children. Fortunately, none of the injuries are considered life-threatening. Please remember that even isolated storms that aren’t considered severe, can still be extremely dangerous! Always stay off the water when thunderstorms are nearby.
GOOD NEWS…Starting on Thursday, we are back to routine weather. The upper level low that will bring us the storms, will also help to break apart this heat dome. It will stay hot and muggy, but back to near average with highs in the low to mid 90s and the heat index around 100. There will daily shower and storm chances, but none of the days ahead will be a washout. This forecast pattern will last through the Fourth of July. Stay safe and cool!
