First Warning Forecast
Feeling the heat... Today goes down in weather history as the 4TH consecutive day with highs at Norfolk International Airport reaching 100!
A Heat Advisory remains in effect through this evening due to the high heat and humidity combination and it's impact on the region. An isolated threat for showers and storms, possibly severe remains. However, the best potential for areas to our northwest.
Better rain chances Thursday and Friday with highs in the upper 80s... This is also the next best opportunity for any relief from the oppressive heat. Heat index values will reach the mid 90s instead of 105 to 110. We’re timing out the best rain chances for the afternoon and early evening hours Thursday with a damaging wind threat. One or two storms may become strong to severe. Measurable rainfall is expected with upwards of a half inch to an inch into Friday. Plus, the extra cloudiness and wet weather will give us a break from the oppressive heat.
Mid/upper 90s will return early next week.
Tropical Update:
Two systems are gaining momentum in the tropics with only likely becoming the first hurricane of the season.
Tropical Storm Gonzalo continues to get stronger, and it's expected to become a hurricane by Thursday. The 7th named storm is moving west at 14 mph with the potential of picking up more forward speed over the next couple of days. Gonzalo maximum sustained winds have increased to 50 mph since Wednesday morning. It is the earliest 'G' named storm on record dating back to 1995 according to (NHC) archive. It's forecast to become a hurricane then weaken back to tropical storm status before impacting any land. Gonzalo is currently headed towards the Windward Islands.
The Gulf of Mexico disturbance is also gaining some traction on this Wednesday. is moving across the central Gulf of Mexico. A tropical depression may form if conditions remain favorable for further development. It's moving west-northwestward and expected to reach the northwestern Gulf on Thursday and Friday with impacts on the coast of Texas. Watches and warnings may be imminent for coastal Texas and Louisiana.
* Formation chance through 2 days: LOW (70%)
* Formation chance through 5 days: MEDIUM (80%)
Check out the Interactive Radar on WTKR.com: Interactive Radar
