SPC Update: General Thunderstorm Risk Along and West of I-85 Today

What’s new:
The Storm Prediction Center has outlined a general thunderstorm risk for Rowan County areas along and west of I-85 today. This is the lowest tier on the outlook scale and signals the potential for a few isolated showers or rumbles of thunder, mainly during the afternoon and early evening.

Timing

• Primary window: 2 PM – 8 PM

• Best coverage: western side of the county and into the foothills

Threats and impacts

• Lightning and brief downpours in any storm

• Gusty, variable winds near cells

• No widespread severe weather expected

Temperatures and wind

• Highs in the mid to upper 80s

• Light southwest breeze becoming a bit more noticeable late day

Looking ahead
Shower and storm chances trend upward late Thursday into Friday as a cold front approaches, followed by a cooler, drier weekend.

What to do

• If thunder roars, move indoors until 30 minutes after the last rumble.

• Have a way to receive updates for any pop-up cells this afternoon.

Map credit: SPC Day 1 Categorical Outlook (pivotalweather)