Active Pattern Underway

A progressive weather pattern has developed across the eastern U.S., which should bring us quick changes over the next several days. Looking at the 7-day forecast, you'll find highs in the mid-70s and upper 80s, as well as rainy days followed by mostly sunny days. It's the kind of pattern typical for this time of the year, as we begin to transition from Summer into Autumn, and the jet stream dips farther south. Our rainfall surplus for 2008 is an even 6" today, and will likely be supplemented by thunderstorms on Tuesday and Friday.

Quiet Monday

Monday afternoon feels much warmer than yesterday thanks to the humid conditions. Afternoon readings will peak in the upper 80s. Expect partly cloudy skies tonight with morning lows in the upper 60s.

The weather will become more active on Tuesday as a cold front approaches from the west. This will likely trigger some strong storms with damaging winds.

A big cool down arrives on Wednesday with high temperatures in the mid to upper 70s.

Drought In The Southwest Could Affect Foliage

Recent rain from Fay and Hanna have definitely helped with the drought in central Virginia. Here are the rain totals so far this year in Richmond. You can see that we are well above normal and way above the total from last year.

Things are not looking as good for some communities to the east of I-95. I got an email from a viewer in Toano who said that they only received .75" from Hanna and need more rain. However, conditions to the southwest are even worse. These areas saw almost no rain from Hanna! Looking at the current stream flow of rivers across the area, you can see a lot of red dots indicating flow that is well below normal in that region.

Drought conditions can have a major impact on fall foliage. During the summer, moderate temperatures and above normal rainfall will yield the brightest colors. So if this trend continues, the colors could be affected in areas around Roanoke, Blacksburg and farther west.