ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — After a brief stretch of sunny, comfortable weather, forecasters say Western North Carolina could see a return to wet and potentially stormy conditions later this week as the remnants of a tropical system move inland from the Gulf Coast.
The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg said Wednesday will remain mostly sunny, with temperatures climbing back to near-normal levels and relatively low humidity keeping conditions pleasant across the region.
That changes Thursday and Friday.
Meteorologists are tracking the remnants of a tropical low expected to move across Georgia and the Carolinas, bringing increased chances for showers and thunderstorms. Forecasters say locally heavy rainfall and damaging wind gusts are possible, although the exact track and strength of the system remain uncertain.
“We’re expecting a much more active weather pattern to return,” the weather service said in its forecast discussion.
In addition to rain, gusty winds are expected Thursday. Wind gusts of 25 to 35 mph are likely across much of the area, with some higher elevations seeing gusts approaching 45 mph.
Forecast models continue to differ on the exact path of the tropical remnants. Some models keep the heaviest rainfall farther south, while others bring a stronger system closer to the western Carolinas. Current projections show the greatest rainfall totals generally south of Asheville, with 1 to 2 inches possible across parts of northeast Georgia and the South Carolina Upstate.
While severe weather is not expected to be widespread, forecasters say strong wind gusts will be the primary threat if thunderstorms develop. The Storm Prediction Center currently places areas south of Western North Carolina under a marginal risk for severe weather.
For Asheville, Thursday’s forecast calls for increasing clouds with showers and thunderstorms becoming likely during the afternoon. The chance of rain is 60 percent, with a high near 88 degrees. Gusts could reach 22 mph.
Rain chances continue Thursday night before gradually decreasing Friday. On Juneteenth, Asheville could see scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly during the afternoon, with a high near 83 degrees.
A cold front is expected to push through the region by Friday, ushering in drier conditions for the weekend. Forecasters say Saturday looks largely dry, with near-normal temperatures expected through the weekend and into early next week.
Another round of showers and thunderstorms could arrive by Monday as the next weather system approaches the region.