Severe storms possible this afternoon

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — After another very warm morning, storms will roll through the area this afternoon. 

Timing

Here’s how it will play out: we’re already seeing increased cloud cover ahead of an approaching cold front. Around 4 o’clock, there will be a few storms popping up in the area, but the storms will become more widespread around 5 and 6. By 9, most of the rain will be hitting areas south of I-16 — for example, Dodge County, Pulaski, Wilcox, Wheeler, Telfair, Treutlen, etc. Overnight, it’ll still be cloudy, but the rain will have mostly tapered off.

Due to the rainfall, temperatures will not be rising as high as they have recently. Rain-cooled air late in the afternoon will likely drop temperatures in rained-out areas to the 70s. On a positive note, this is great news for rain-starved farmers and for those of you who suffer from pollen allergies.

Severity

As you can see from the picture above, we are forecasted to have the highest chance for severe weather today of anywhere in the state. That means isolated severe weather is possible, with the main concerns being frequent lightning, high winds and hail. This will be a low wind shear/high CAPE (convective available potential energy) event, so we’re not forecasting a tornado threat. Besides a weather radio, today would be a great day to download the free 41 First Alert Weather App for instant alerts to severe t-storm watches and warnings.

Remember: if you can see lightning, you can get struck by it. You don’t even have to hear thunder to get struck, and many people who are struck are ones who are outside when a storm approaches or is leaving the area. Stay indoors if you see any lightning in your area.

Weekend

By Saturday, we’ll see more sun with some clouds in the mix, and the weather will be significantly drier. We’re also forecasting a dry Sunday. Add to that low 80s/upper 70s for highs and cooler overnight lows in the low to mid 50s, and you get a much different forecast than we’ve seen for most of the week.