ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Western North Carolina one more day of hot, humid weather before a weak cold front offers temporary relief midweek, according to the National Weather Service.
Scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop Monday afternoon and evening across the mountains and foothills of the Carolinas and northeast Georgia. A few storms could become severe, with damaging wind gusts as the primary threat. Forecasters also warn that locally heavy rainfall may cause flash flooding in low-lying or urban areas with poor drainage.
The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg reported that Asheville set a record for the highest minimum temperature on Sunday, July 20. The low temperature at Asheville Regional Airport was 72 degrees, breaking the previous record of 71 degrees set in 1954. Weather records in Asheville date back more than 100 years.
As of Sunday, Asheville has recorded 2.36 inches of rainfall in July, with 0.37 inches falling on Sunday. Since June 1, the area has received 6.62 inches of precipitation. The year-to-date total now stands at 24.69 inches.
The hot and humid pattern is expected to ease slightly by Tuesday as a weak cold front moves through the region. Behind the front, forecasters anticipate more seasonable conditions on Wednesday and possibly Thursday, though warmer weather is expected to return by the weekend.
Daily highs are forecast to remain near 90 degrees Monday, with storm chances peaking late in the day. The chance of precipitation decreases slightly Tuesday and Wednesday, though scattered showers and thunderstorms remain in the forecast through Friday.
Officials continue to urge the public to take precautions during extreme heat and remind drivers never to leave children or pets unattended in vehicles. “Check the back seat,” the National Weather Service advised.