FOX Carolina 21Showers Today, Rain & Storms Tonight

Good mild morning to you!  Temperatures are starting off on the warmer side, in the low to mid 50s for most.  Cloud cover that moved in overnight has kept temps from dropping much, so luckily you don't need to be too bundled up.

We have a few spotty showers out there this morning, mainly in the northern Upstate areas and into southern Polk and Rutherford Counties.  We'll keep a few widely scattered, light rain showers through the remainder of the morning and into the early afternoon, but the better chance of rain will hold off until later in the day.

The low pressure system and cold front over the south will move our way later today, bringing more rain chances through the afternoon.  I'd expect scattered rain through the mid and late-afternoon... before the more widespread, heavy rain comes in this evening.

Ahead of the cold front, many of the models have picked up on a line of rain and storms that will form west of us and push through later tonight.  The highest chance for heavy rain and thunderstorms will come between 10 PM and 1 AM.  While our severe threat isn't very high (see SPC Convective Outlook at right), there is the chance for a few strong/severe storms along the line.  Damaging wind will be the main severe threat, but an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out).

Heavy rainfall and frequent lightning is more likely within any storms we see.  Accumulations through the event will probably fall within the 1 to 1.5 inch range for most locations.  The HPC's QPF image is at right.  Rain will wrap up by Friday morning, with clouds giving way to more sun for the afternoon.

Highs will stay mild today - in the low 60s area-wide.  Tomorrow, Upstate areas will stay in the low 60s, while WNC highs will dip a few degrees.  The weekend will be dry and bright for just about everyone.  The only spots to watch are the TN border locations, where a few snow showers are possible on Saturday.

We'll keep the weather lab staffed this evening and tonight, and will update you on any watches or warnings as they come in.  Of course, you can also get the weather info on our Facebook page too!