The Hottest Stretch of Weather So Far This August Arrives Next Week

A hotter and more humid weather pattern is expected to build across Rowan County beginning Monday, setting the stage for what could be the hottest stretch of weather so far this August.

After highs near 91 degrees today and around 92 degrees Sunday, temperatures are expected to remain in the lower 90s Monday before climbing into the middle 90s by Tuesday and Wednesday.

Tuesday and Wednesday currently look like the hottest days of the period, with forecast highs near 94 degrees across Rowan County.

Humidity will make those temperatures feel even hotter. Afternoon heat index values could reach the upper 90s to around 100 degrees or slightly higher at times, especially during the early and middle portions of next week.

Why Is It Getting Hotter?

A ridge of high pressure is expected to strengthen across the Southeast early next week. This will favor more sunshine, fewer widespread thunderstorms, and steadily increasing temperatures.

The pattern should also limit widespread rain chances across Rowan County. While an isolated afternoon or evening shower or thunderstorm cannot be completely ruled out, much of the area is expected to remain dry for extended periods.

The combination of strong August sunshine, warm temperatures, and high humidity will make afternoons increasingly uncomfortable.

The Hottest Days Appear to Be Tuesday and Wednesday

Current forecast highs for Rowan County include:

Saturday: 91 degrees

Sunday: 92 degrees

Monday: 92 degrees

Tuesday: 94 degrees

Wednesday: 94 degrees

Overnight lows will remain warm as well, generally staying in the lower 70s. That means there will be limited nighttime relief from the heat.

While heat index values are currently expected to remain below typical Heat Advisory levels in many areas, conditions could still become dangerous for anyone spending extended periods outdoors.

Take the Heat Seriously

Anyone working, exercising, or spending significant time outside next week should take precautions.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day, take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning, and try to avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the afternoon.

Children, older adults, people with certain medical conditions, and those without reliable access to air conditioning can be especially vulnerable during extended periods of hot and humid weather.

Pets should also have access to plenty of fresh water and shade, and should never be left inside a parked vehicle.

What About Thunderstorms?

Storm chances will remain relatively limited through the weekend and into early next week.

A few isolated afternoon or evening thunderstorms may still develop, especially along leftover outflow boundaries or other small-scale features.

Any storm that develops could briefly produce heavy rain, frequent lightning, and gusty winds, but widespread thunderstorm activity is not expected at this time.

There are some indications that storm chances could begin increasing again later in the week as the weather pattern becomes more unsettled.

Rowan County Weather Will Continue Monitoring the Heat

The exact temperatures and heat index values will continue to be refined over the next several days.

If forecast temperatures trend higher, heat-related advisories could become more of a concern.

Rowan County Weather will continue monitoring the latest forecast information and provide updates as the hotter weather settles into the area.