The National Weather Service reports that a significant warming trend begins today across the Tri-State area, ushering in brighter skies and higher temperatures. Highs are expected to reach the upper 70s as winds shift to the south.
The warming trend will peak on Thursday, with near-record to record high temperatures possible, particularly in the western parts of the region where highs could reach the mid-80s. Gusty winds from the south-southwest are also forecast for Thursday.
Rain and thunderstorms are likely to develop Thursday night and continue into Friday morning. Some storms could be strong, especially along the I-64 corridor, bringing the potential for locally heavy rainfall. After the rain moves through, much colder air will arrive by Friday, dropping high temperatures into the low 50s. Breezy northerly winds will make conditions feel even cooler.
Cooler weather will linger into the weekend, with an increased chance of patchy frost early Saturday morning, especially for areas along and north of I-64. Saturday’s highs will reach the mid-50s under sunny skies. Temperatures will begin to moderate on Sunday, with increasing clouds and highs climbing into the upper 60s. The warming trend is expected to continue into early next week, with highs around 80 degrees by Monday.