ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A passing cold front will bring lingering showers and gusty winds to Western North Carolina through Wednesday morning before drier and cooler conditions settle in to close out the workweek, according to the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg.
Light rain moved across the region early Wednesday in association with the front. Forecasters said most areas can expect showers through the morning, although locations along and north of Interstate 40 in the North Carolina foothills and Piedmont could see little to no rainfall, with chances there remaining below 25 percent.
Rainfall totals are expected to remain light. Between a quarter-inch and a half-inch of rain is forecast along the North Carolina-Tennessee border and at elevations above 4,000 feet. Locally higher amounts of up to 1 inch are possible along the southern North Carolina-Tennessee border. Elsewhere, rainfall amounts are expected to range from a few hundredths of an inch to a tenth of an inch, if any.
Drier air will move into the region Wednesday afternoon as high pressure builds in behind the front. Gusty winds combined with the drier air mass will allow relative humidity levels to drop to near or below 25 percent east of the mountains. However, forecasters said rainfall earlier in the day should limit fire weather concerns.
Wind gusts are expected to range from 20 to 30 mph in lower elevations and 30 to 40 mph in higher elevations, remaining below advisory levels. Gusts should diminish east of the mountains by Wednesday evening but could linger in mountain areas into Thursday.
Cooler temperatures and lighter winds are forecast for Thursday and Friday, though low humidity levels may continue. Minimum relative humidity could fall to near or below 25 percent along the Blue Ridge Escarpment and areas east on Thursday, and near or below 30 percent across lower elevations Friday. Forecasters said if humidity trends lower, limited fire weather concerns could redevelop.
Looking ahead, widespread rainfall is expected over the weekend, with the highest chances Saturday night and Sunday. The rain is expected to be beneficial for most of the area, though localized heavier downpours could lead to minor flooding in poorly drained areas and isolated rises to bankfull levels on some streams.
In Asheville, skies will gradually clear Wednesday with a high near 56 degrees. Northwest winds of 7 to 13 mph are expected, with gusts up to 25 mph. Overnight, temperatures will drop to around 28 degrees under mostly clear skies.
Thursday will be mostly sunny with a high near 49 degrees, followed by a low around 27 degrees Thursday night. Friday will be mostly sunny with a high near 53 degrees.
Rain chances increase late Saturday night, mainly after 4 a.m., with a 60 percent chance of precipitation and a low around 40 degrees. Rain is likely Sunday, with an 80 percent chance of precipitation and a high near 48 degrees.