Marginal Risk for Severe Storms Sunday Across the Carolinas

Residents across Rowan County and much of the Carolinas should keep an eye on the weather heading into Sunday afternoon and evening. The Storm Prediction Center has placed the region under a Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 5) for severe thunderstorms.

A Marginal Risk does not mean widespread severe weather is expected, but it does indicate that a few storms could briefly become strong.

Timing of the Storms

Current forecast guidance suggests storms could begin developing Sunday afternoon and continue into the early evening as a weak cold front moves across the region.

Warm and humid air will already be in place across the Carolinas, creating an environment supportive of scattered showers and thunderstorms.

What Could Happen

Most storms will likely produce brief rain and lightning, but a few stronger storms could bring:

• Gusty winds

• Small hail

• Brief heavy rainfall

The overall severe threat remains low, but isolated storms could briefly reach severe limits.

Why Storms Could Form

A fast-moving disturbance in the upper atmosphere will move across the eastern United States on Sunday. At the surface, a weak front will approach the Carolinas during the afternoon.

As daytime heating increases instability in the atmosphere, scattered thunderstorms may develop along and ahead of the front.

Wind shear in the atmosphere will be somewhat favorable for storms to organize briefly, which is why the Storm Prediction Center has highlighted the region for a Marginal Risk.

What This Means for Rowan County

For Rowan County, Sunday will likely feature warm temperatures and increasing clouds, followed by the possibility of scattered afternoon thunderstorms.

While most storms should remain below severe limits, a few stronger cells cannot be ruled out during the late afternoon or early evening.

At this time, there are no indications of a widespread severe weather event, but Rowan County Weather will continue monitoring forecast trends as the weekend approaches.

Staying Weather Aware

As always during the spring storm season, it’s a good idea to stay weather aware when thunderstorms are in the forecast. Be sure to monitor updated forecasts and have a way to receive weather alerts if stronger storms develop.

Rowan County Weather will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.