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-- Discussion containing changed information from previous version are highlighted. --
000
FXUS62 KCHS 221136
AFDCHS

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Charleston SC
736 AM EDT Fri Mar 22 2019

.SYNOPSIS...
High pressure will build over the region through the weekend.
Low pressure may move across the region on Monday night through
Tuesday night. High pressure will then rebuild.

&&

.NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/...
Today: Aloft, the forecast area will remain under the influence
of west-northwest flow around the large upper low situated over
New England. At the surface, high pressure stretching along the
Mississippi Valley will gradually shift eastward as a low
deepens off the New England coast. This will result in low level
northwesterly flow across the region in the morning, becoming
westerly in the afternoon. Deep dry air will prevail, yielding a
dry forecast. Temperatures are forecast to top out around 70 in
most areas, with some low 70s expected in southeast Georgia.
Westerly winds will be breezy at times, with gusts topping out
in the 20-25 mph range.

Tonight: High pressure over the Upper Midwest will become the
dominant feature, veering winds around to more northerly late
tonight. Clear skies and a dry forecast will prevail. Lows are
forecast to reach the low to mid 40s in most areas away from the
beaches.

&&

.SHORT TERM /SATURDAY THROUGH MONDAY/...
High pressure over the area on Saturday will slide off the
Carolina coast on Sunday. Dry weather with warming temperatures
are expected. Highs Sunday will be in the mid to upper 70s.

An upper shortwave will approach the area on Monday, pushing a
surface low pressure system into central and eastern SC during
the afternoon. 0-6 km flow will be predominantly westerly so
moisture return ahead of the low will be somewhat limited.
Isolated to scattered showers should move into the area late
Monday afternoon. There may be enough instability to support a
few thunderstorms as well. Strong warm advection will result in
another warm day with highs in the upper 70s.

&&

.LONG TERM /MONDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY/...
A series of shortwaves will move through the area Monday night
through Tuesday night while a backdoor cold front slowly sinks
south through the area. We currently have the highest rain
chances on Tuesday as this coincides with the front dropping
through the area and the strongest PVA aloft. Cool high pressure
will affect the area through Wednesday before weakening and
shifting east, allowing for a warming trend late next week.

&&

.AVIATION /12Z FRIDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
VFR conditions will prevail at both KCHS and KSAV through 12Z
Saturday. Westerly winds will become gusty late this morning and
this afternoon, with frequent gusts into the 20-25 knot range.

Extended Aviation: Flight restrictions possible Monday night
through Tuesday night.

&&

.MARINE...
Today through tonight: Northwest winds topping out in the 15-20
knot range will prevail this morning and any lingering Small
Craft Advisories are expected to come down by noon. Winds will
see a brief west-southwesterly surge this afternoon, and could
be near advisory thresholds for Charleston Harbor and the
Charleston County waters. Overall, winds should top out in the
15-20 knot range with seas 2-4 feet out to 20 nm and 4-5 feet
beyond. Overnight, winds will veer around to northerly after
midnight. Winds will remain elevated in the 15-20 knot range and
just below advisory thresholds.

High pressure will maintain relatively benign marine conditions
Saturday through Sunday night. Stronger southwest flow will
setup on Monday ahead of a low pressure system, though the
current forecast keeps conditions just below advisory levels.

A strong northeast gradient will develop next Tuesday through
Thursday behind the backdoor cold front. Small Craft Advisories
are likely across most of the marine area.

Rip Currents: Breezy westerly winds and moderate swell energy
will combine to produce a moderate risk of rip currents at all
beaches through this evening.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...
Today: High pressure will build in to the area as an area of low
pressure off the New England coast deepens. Dry air across the
region will result in relative humidity values falling into the
20-25 percent range this afternoon. Westerly winds will be
breezy this afternoon, with frequent gusts into the 20-25 mph
range. A Fire Danger Statement has been issued for all of
southeast Georgia. A Fire Danger Statement could also be needed
for southeast South Carolina following coordination with users
and surrounding NWS offices later this morning.

Saturday through Sunday: Critical or near-critical relative
humidity values are likely to persist.

&&

.EQUIPMENT...
The KCLX radar has failed. Technicians will look into the issue
this morning.

&&

.CHS WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
GA...None.
SC...None.
MARINE...Small Craft Advisory until noon EDT today for AMZ374.

&&

$$

NEAR TERM...BSH
SHORT TERM...JRL
LONG TERM...JRL
AVIATION...BSH/JRL
MARINE...BSH/JRL
FIRE WEATHER...
EQUIPMENT...