Rain, storms return to WNC as landslide awareness week begins

Dry weather lasts through Tuesday before showers and thunderstorms return Wednesday, with a higher risk of heavy rain Thursday

ContributedJonathan Godt/USGSA steep, unstable slope shows signs of a landslide in Western North Carolina. Officials are using the state's first Landslide Preparedness Week to remind residents that landslides can occur year-round in the mountains.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A stretch of dry, comfortable weather will give way to increasing humidity, showers and thunderstorms across Western North Carolina beginning Wednesday.

The National Weather Service office in Greenville-Spartanburg said dry conditions will continue through Tuesday, with temperatures near normal and relatively comfortable humidity levels.

That changes Wednesday as moisture moves back into the region, bringing a chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms.

The chance of rain is expected to increase through Thursday, when forecasters are calling for a 60 percent to 80 percent chance of precipitation across much of the area. Rain chances are expected to remain elevated Friday before gradually decreasing over the weekend.

Forecasters said the combination of slow-moving storms, increasing moisture and the potential for storms to cluster could produce a localized flash-flood threat Wednesday into Thursday.

Temperatures are expected to remain near normal through the week, although higher humidity later in the week could make conditions feel more muggy. The heat index is not expected to reach 100 degrees, according to the forecast discussion.

The wetter weather comes as North Carolina observes what officials are calling its first Landslide Preparedness Week.

The National Weather Service is partnering with the U.S. Geological Survey, North Carolina Emergency Management and the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality to share information about landslide risks and preparedness.

The agencies are reminding residents that landslides can occur year-round in the North Carolina mountains.

For Western North Carolina, the timing provides a reminder to pay attention to changing weather and ground conditions as rain and thunderstorms return to the region.

Rain chances are expected to remain above normal Friday, with a gradual decrease Saturday and Sunday. Afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms could still develop over the weekend.

Temperatures are expected to remain near normal Friday and Saturday, although elevated humidity could make conditions feel muggy. The heat index is not expected to reach 100 degrees.

For now, the region can expect one more mostly dry day Tuesday before the wetter pattern returns Wednesday.