Amidst an ongoing heatwave affecting much of North Carolina, the National Weather Service has added warnings of further inclement weather in Western NC.
An updated outlook on the heatwave affecting the Southeast region of the U.S. was issued July 28, stating that heat levels will be dangerous for anyone without adequate cooling or hydration this week. Raleigh and Charlotte, NC, are among the major metropolitan areas expected to experience extreme heat risks.
Though temperatures in the area are higher than average, with predictions in the low 90s to start off the week, no heat warnings are currently active in Asheville. However, an alert issued at 2:17 a.m. on July 28 warned of separate inclement weather in the area for the next several days.
Here’s what we know.
Asheville weather hazards: NWS issues July 28 alerts in Western NC
The 2:17 a.m. hazardous weather outlook issued by the NWS warned WNC as well as Northeast Georgia of “isolated and scattered thunderstorms” expected to develop during the afternoon and evening of Monday, July 28.
Isolated severe storms cannot be ruled out, according to the agency, with the main threats being damaging wind gusts. Some storms could also produce small hail and heavy rainfall. Although the alert is currently active only for July 28, storms are expected throughout the week in WNC.
Asheville weather radar
Asheville, NC weather this week
The NWS expects a stormy week ahead for Asheville. In the first three days of the week, the following is expected:
Monday, July 28 – Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly between 2-5 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 92 degrees. North-northwest winds around 5 mph. The chance of precipitation is 70%—new rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Overnight, a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 a.m. Patchy fog after 2 a.m. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 69 degrees. North-northwest winds around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening—new rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday, July 29 – Showers and thunderstorms likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 5 p.m. Patchy fog before 9 a.m. High near 92 degrees. Heat index values as high as 100 degrees. Calm wind. The chance of precipitation is 80%—new rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Overnight, showers and thunderstorms are likely before 11 p.m., then a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69 degrees. Calm wind. The chance of precipitation is 60%—new precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Wednesday, July 30 – Showers and thunderstorms likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 5 p.m. High near 90 degrees. Light and variable wind. The chance of precipitation is 80%.
Overnight, showers and thunderstorms before 5 a.m., then a chance of showers. Low around 69 degrees. The chance of precipitation is 80%.
Hendersonville, NC weather this week
Monday, July 28 – Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly between 2-4 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 90 degrees. North northwest wind 3-5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Overnight, a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 10 p.m. Patchy fog after 2 a.m. Otherwise, mostly clear, then becoming mostly cloudy toward daybreak, with a low around 70 degrees. Light northwest wind. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday, July 29 – Showers and thunderstorms likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 5 p.m. Patchy fog before 9 a.m. High near 89 degrees. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Overnight, showers and thunderstorms likely before 2 a.m., then a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70 degrees. Calm wind. The chance of precipitation is 60%—new rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Wednesday, July 30 – Showers and thunderstorms likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 5 p.m. High near 87 degrees. Calm wind becoming south southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is 80%.
Overnight, showers and thunderstorms are likely before 2 a.m., then a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69 degrees. The chance of precipitation is 60%.
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Severe thunderstorms in Asheville, Western NC? What NWS expects