textproduct: Charleston

WHAT HAS CHANGED

The aviation section has been updated.

KEY MESSAGES

- 1) Elevated risk for wildfires continues into Sunday.

- 2) Mostly dry conditions through mid-week with above normal temperatures.

DISCUSSION

KEY MESSAGE 1: Elevated fire weather risk today.

Rain-free conditions will persist across our area today. Northeast winds this morning will transition to the east this afternoon, occasionally gusting to 20 mph, especially closer to the coast. However, minimum RH values this afternoon will generally be above 40%, except higher at/near the beaches. Even though these weather conditions don't meet the typical criteria of a Fire Danger Statement, we have one in effect following our agencies previous days coordination. Extremely dry fuels will result in an elevated risk for wildfires.

KEY MESSAGE 2: Mostly dry conditions through mid-week with above normal temperatures.

A mostly dry/zonal pattern to start off the week is expected to transition to a period of strong mid-lvl ridging while sfc high pressure prevails across the Southeast for much of the week. A warming trend is expected as a result, with latest guidance supporting high temps in the low-mid 80s away from the coast (sea breeze influences) Tuesday through Thursday.

A cold front could approach the region late in the week, bringing a higher potential for measurable rainfall next weekend.

AVIATION /18Z SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/

VFR conditions will prevail at KCHS/KJZI/KSAV through 18Z Monday.

Extended Aviation Outlook: Prevailing VFR conditions are expected at CHS/JZI/SAV terminals through Wednesday. TEMPO flight restrictions possible at all terminals with daily showers and/or thunderstorms Thursday into next weekend.

MARINE

Today through Tuesday: An enhanced pressure gradient resides across the area this morning, supporting Small Craft Advisories for all waters outside the Charleston Harbor. However, expect winds to slowly diminish late morning through the afternoon with seas also subsiding through tonight. Small Craft Advisories will begin to drop across SC waters by around 2 AM Monday as a result, followed by nearshore GA waters Monday afternoon. High seas will continue to linger across outer GA waters, where a Small Craft Advisory continues into Tuesday morning. Conditions should then remain below Small Craft Advisory levels during the middle of next week along the western periphery of the Atlantic high.

CHS WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

GA...None. SC...None. MARINE...Small Craft Advisory until 3 AM EDT Monday for AMZ350-352. Small Craft Advisory until 3 PM EDT Monday for AMZ354. Small Craft Advisory until 10 AM EDT Tuesday for AMZ374.