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Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Blacksburg, VA
Issued by NWS Blacksburg, VA
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808 FXUS61 KRNK 230600 AFDRNK Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Blacksburg VA 100 AM EST Sun Feb 23 2025 .SYNOPSIS... High pressure will cover the area today and Monday, then a weak cold front crosses the Mid Atlantic on Tuesday, but the weather will remain dry. A stronger cold front will cross the region on Thursday, bringing a chance for rain, and leading in colder air for the end of the week. && .NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/... As of 100 AM EST Sunday... Key message: - Tranquil weather today and tonight Mid level clouds that were associated with a short wave that crossed west to east across North Carolina Saturday evening had almost dissipated. Little additional cloud cover is expected today, but mid and high clouds fill in across the area tonight. Stayed close to NBM for high temperatures today, which will be slightly warmer than temperatures on Saturday. Leaned toward cooler guidance for lows tonight, but temperatures will depend on how fast clouds cover the area. && .SHORT TERM /MONDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT/... As of 1250 AM EST Sunday... Key Messages: 1) Confidence is high for dry weather with the lone exception being western Greenbrier County on Tuesday. 2) Temperatures will rise above normal in a notable warming trend. Dry conditions will persist through Monday as high pressure heads offshore. A southwest breeze should aid in warm air advection to push temperatures about five to ten degrees above normal for this time of year. By Tuesday, a weak shortwave trough will cross the Great Lakes. With the flow turning towards the west, this downslope flow will make it difficult for any moisture to extend southward. Only a slight chance of rain showers exists for western Greenbrier County on Tuesday, but all other locations should stay dry and experience additional warmth with afternoon highs jumping into the 60s east of the Blue Ridge. High pressure should pass to the south on Wednesday to keep the warming trend intact, but clouds will increase by Wednesday night as a cold front approaches from the west. Light rain may reach the mountains before daybreak. && .LONG TERM /THURSDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/... As of 1250 AM EST Sunday... Key Messages: 1) Confidence is increasing for rain starting early Thursday, and mountain snow showers may follow on Thursday night. 2) Temperatures should dip lower on Friday but moderate by Saturday once high pressure returns. A cold front will cross the Appalachian Mountains on Thursday to bring light rain. Because the associated upper level trough is positively tilted, it does not appear to be a significant rainfall event. However, colder air will arrive after the frontal passage as the flow turns toward the northwest. While locations east of the Blue Ridge should become drier during Thursday night, mountain snow showers may develop along a line from Boone to Lewisburg. This upslope moisture may linger into Friday before fading by the evening once the northwest flow weakens. High pressure returns by Saturday to provide drier weather and to allow the air mass to moderate. && .AVIATION /06Z SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/... As of 100 AM EST Sunday... Prevailing VFR conditions are forecast for the 24 hour valid TAF. Mid level clouds that were associated with a short wave that crossed west to east across North Carolina Saturday evening had almost dissipated. Little additional cloud cover is expected today, but mid and high clouds fill in across the area this evening. Winds will be mainly from the west once mixing begins today. Wind speeds remain less than 10 mph. .EXTENDED AVIATION OUTLOOK... Dry weather and VFR flight conditions are expected through early Wednesday. Wind flow gradually becomes more southwest. Thursday is the next opportunity for precipitation in the region. MVFR ceilings are possible in the mountains Wednesday night and Thursday. && .FIRE WEATHER... As of 100 AM EST Sunday... Based on the expected weather, Monday through Wednesday should have windows of opportunity for burning, especially for grass fuels. In general expecting weather that should support early spring burn plans...light wind, mild temperatures and low afternoon humidity. As a reminder for non-federal and non-state land managers, please be mindful of local and state laws. States, such as VA, have burn laws. Virginia`s 4PM Burning Law prohibits open-air burning before 4PM from February 15th through April 30th. The law applies to fires within 300 feet of dry grass or woodland areas. && .RNK WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... VA...None. NC...None. WV...None. && $$ SYNOPSIS...AMS NEAR TERM...AMS SHORT TERM...PW LONG TERM...PW AVIATION...AMS FIRE WEATHER...AMS/PM