Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Wilmington, NC

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829 FXUS62 KILM 211958 AFDILM Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Wilmington NC 358 PM EDT Sat Sep 21 2024 .SYNOPSIS...
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Dry forecast continues for the remainder of the weekend, with high pressure dominating. Temperatures linger near or just above seasonal norms through early next week. Next appreciable rain chances look to return by the middle of next week with the next frontal system.
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&& .NEAR TERM /THROUGH SUNDAY/...
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Weak high pressure will continue to be in place through the forecast period under the northwest flow aloft. A weak shortwave may bring a few clouds and very isolated showers late tonight and again Sunday afternoon. Lows tonight will once again be in the middle 60s with highs Sunday a touch warmer than today in the middle 80s.
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&& .SHORT TERM /SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY NIGHT/...
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Mainly dry weather expected this period. In fact, forecast may end up being completely dry with an upr-level ridge axis moving into the area. For now, decided to include some slight chance PoPs inland based on latest guidance and increasing deep-layer moisture late Monday. Temps remain seasonable...highs in the low/mid 80s Mon with lows Sun night and Mon night 65-70.
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&& .LONG TERM /TUESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/...
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Low confidence forecast continues throughout the long term period. Initial complication is an upr-level trough moving through the Upper Midwest and its evolution as a closed low breaks off over the central CONUS. This low will eventually interact with a possible tropical cyclone (NHC has 60% chance of formation) moving into the Gulf of Mexico. Locally, cannot rule out the chance of rain any of the days this period, but the best chances will be during the latter half of the period when the better forcing approaches the area. Temps remain close to climatological norms.
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&& .AVIATION /19Z SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/... VFR conditions expected through the period. There was a smattering of fog this morning but the column continues to dry out as displayed by the lack of low level convective clouds over most of the area. A weak shortwave may spark a few showers late tonight but coverage will be limited and fleeting in nature. Extended Outlook...Dry through at least Tuesday with VFR conditions, but daily early morning MVFR/IFR from fog/stratus remains possible. Cold front approaches late Wed. && .MARINE...
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Through Sunday...Pressure gradient remains weak for the coastal waters through Sunday. The persistent northeast flow seen over the past several days will turn more east to southeast. Significant seas will remain low 2-3 feet. Sunday Night through Thursday...Sub-SCA conditions prevail. E/NE flow continues early this period with sfc high pressure off to the NE. Then as the high moves offshore and potential low pressure moves into the Gulf of Mexico, onshore flow and seas will start to slowly ramp up closer to 6 ft, but at this point this looks to be moreso Friday than Thursday.
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&& .TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING...
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Coastal flooding remains a threat through the weekend into early next week with high astronomical tides and a modest northeast flow. The beaches seem secure for minor coastal flooding requiring an advisory. However, criteria along the lower Cape Fear River from Wilmington south may reach Moderate Coastal flood thresholds requiring a Coastal Flood Warning. Upstream waters working their way down the Cape Fear River will also influence the flooding on both sides of the Cape Fear River including Brunswick County.
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&& .ILM WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... NC...Coastal Flood Warning until 4 PM EDT this afternoon for NCZ107- 109. SC...None. MARINE...None. && $$ SYNOPSIS...ILM NEAR TERM...MAS SHORT TERM...MAS LONG TERM...MAS AVIATION...SHK MARINE...MAS/SHK TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING...