Temps continue to rise; hot for the second half of the week

Just as we were beginning to enjoy the taste of fall, Mother Nature has decided to bring back a semi summer-like pattern to the Mid-South. Throughout the week, high pressure will be building in along the eastern seaboard which will keep winds out of the south. This southerly flow will usher in muggy air and allow temperatures to reach into the mid to upper 80s throughout much of the week.

Unfortunately, even as we look ahead to this weekend and early next week, models are still hinting at this above average temperature pattern. It may be October, but this first week won't quite feel like it.

Along with this high pressure system, rain chances will be spotty at best through the week. Today through mid-week we will have a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms primarily through the afternoon hours. Most of us will likely stay dry, but some of us could win the rain lottery. For the second half of the week and into the weekend, still could see an isolated shower or two, but coverage should be kept to a minimum.

Today

Temps and dewpoints will continue their steady climb today as we welcome October with some above average temps. This increase in moisture will allow widely scattered showers and thunderstorms to potentially develop later today.

The HRRR shows scattered showers developing this afternoon with coverage decreasing after sunset. (WeatherBell)

Highs will reach 86 with overnight temps falling to near 72.  

Tomorrow

We will begin to notice temperatures rising even more tomorrow with highs expected to near 87 degrees. Things should be somewhat similar to today with mostly cloudy skies and a chance of showers through the day. Showers and isolated thunderstorms should remain widely scattered. Overnight temps will return to a mild 73. 

Wednesday through Friday

Starting Wednesday, things will get rather toasty with highs each day reaching the upper 80s with some days attempting to near the 90 degree mark. While we may not reach 90, it will still be really hot for October and heat indices will reach the mid 90s with the dewpoints back near 70.

Looking at our overall weather pattern, a high pressure system will continue to build into the Eastern half of the U.S. through the second half of the week. This will help to keep rain chances low, but not completely zero either as a pop-up t'storm or two could develop. 

While it would appear as if a cold front is coming down towards our area, it will unfortunately never make it as the boundary will stall out well to our north. High pressure will remain in control. (NOAA/WPC)

Weekend and beginning of next week at a glance

This upcoming weekend into next week looks to be a general continuation of the second half of this week. Temps will generally stay above average with widely scattered showers and thunderstorms possible each day. 

The Climate Prediction Center (CPC) keeps temperatures well above average through the weekend and into the beginning of next week. (Pivotal Weather)

The CPC keeps the Mid-South right on the edge of slight above to above average precipitation. (Pivotal Weather)

Caroline MacDonald
MWN Meteorologist Intern

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