ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Unseasonably warm temperatures are expected to continue across Western North Carolina through the weekend and into next week, with only a limited risk of severe weather, according to the National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg.
Forecasters say the region will experience a weather pattern more typical of late spring, bringing temperatures well above normal for early March. Highs in the Asheville area are expected to reach the upper 70s Friday, with overnight lows remaining mild in the 50s.
A few isolated showers and thunderstorms could develop Friday afternoon and evening, though the chance of rain remains low and the risk of severe weather is minimal.
The warm pattern is expected to continue through the weekend as a ridge of high pressure along the East Coast keeps the region in a warm and humid air mass. Scattered thunderstorms are possible Saturday afternoon and evening as daytime heating increases instability in the atmosphere.
Rain chances increase late Saturday night into Sunday as a weakening front approaches the region. Showers are likely Sunday, and a few thunderstorms could develop during the afternoon. While instability may be somewhat limited by cloud cover, forecasters say wind conditions could support the possibility of a few stronger storms.
Temperatures are expected to remain well above normal into the middle of next week, with highs approaching 80 degrees Tuesday and Wednesday. Forecasters say near-record temperatures are possible during that time.
Isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms may develop during the afternoon hours Monday through Wednesday, but widespread severe weather is not expected.
Rain chances increase again by midweek as another weather system approaches the region, which could bring cooler temperatures by Thursday.