FOX Carolina 21Spring-like... And Stormy?

Happy Wednesday!  As the title of this post says, it's going to be a downright spring-like day across the area.  Highs will rise to the low to mid 60s by afternoon, several degrees above our normal highs (in the low 50s in the Mountains, upper 50s in the Upstate).

We'll start out the day with sunshine, and the morning hours will stay dry under partly cloudy skies.  Clouds will begin to filter in more during the afternoon hours.  Winds will be breezy today, out of the SW at 10-18 mph.  Gusts could be as high as 25 or 30 mph.

While most will stay dry through late-afternoon, a few showers are possible in SW NC as early as lunchtime.  Late-afternoon and evening hours will bring the best chance of scattered rain and storms.  The SPC has placed us in the Slight Risk area for today, as some of these storms may become strong or severe.  The main threat - as usual - is damaging wind gusts, but hail and even an isolated tornado can't be ruled out. 

Andy will be in later today and we'll keep you posted on any watches or warnings if they're issued.  We'll break in on-air, tweet and of course, let you know via our FOX Carolina Facebook page.  We aren't expecting a severe outbreak by any means, but a few warnings are definitely within the realm of possibility.

Breezy winds and mild temperatures will stick with us on Thursday.  In fact, highs will approach record-territory in the Upstate, as highs there rise into the mid 70s.  Asheville's high tomorrow will even be around 70 degrees.  We'll stay partly cloudy through Thursday, with just an isolated PM shower or storm. 

The highest chance of rain for the week arrives early Friday as a stronger front moves through.  Winds will be gusty Friday and into Saturday, and behind the front we'll have colder weekend temperatures.