Enjoy the Refreshing Weather While It Lasts; Wet Pattern Returns This Weekend

After weeks of typical summer heat and humidity, the Carolinas are enjoying a rare stretch of refreshingly comfortable weather. Sunshine, lower humidity, and cool mornings will make today and Friday some of the nicest days we've seen in quite some time. If you've been waiting to tackle outdoor projects, head to the park, or simply enjoy a meal outside, now is the time.

High pressure centered over the eastern United States is keeping dry air in place across the region. Afternoon temperatures will climb into the lower to middle 80s today with dew points dropping into the 50s during the afternoon. That means it won't just be warm—it will actually feel comfortable outside, something that's not very common in late July.

The pleasant weather continues tonight with clear skies and overnight lows falling into the upper 50s and lower 60s. Friday will feature another sunny day with highs in the mid to upper 80s and humidity remaining relatively low.

The pattern begins to change on Saturday as winds turn more southerly, allowing warmer, more humid air to return. Clouds will gradually increase through the day, but much of Saturday should remain dry, making it another good day for outdoor plans. By Saturday night, however, the first showers and thunderstorms will begin developing as our next weather system approaches from the west.

Sunday appears to be the wettest day of the forecast. A slow-moving frontal system will move into the region while deep Gulf and Atlantic moisture returns, bringing widespread showers and thunderstorms. Some storms could produce locally heavy rainfall, especially if multiple rounds of rain move over the same locations.

The unsettled pattern is expected to continue into early next week as the front slows or stalls nearby. Daily chances for showers and thunderstorms will remain elevated through at least Monday, and possibly beyond. While not everyone will receive the same amount of rainfall, many communities could pick up beneficial rain that continues to improve drought conditions across the area.

Temperatures will also trend a little cooler once the rain returns. Highs Sunday and Monday are expected to remain in the lower 80s thanks to increased cloud cover and rainfall.

For now, enjoy these beautiful late July days while they last. The comfortable air won't be around much longer, and umbrellas will likely become a much more common accessory by the second half of the weekend.