Forecast Last Updated at Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at 5:24PM

Fog Possible Tonight

An increasingly moist southeasterly flow ahead of an approaching front brings more persistent cloud cover beginning tomorrow. The front doesn't moves through until Saturday accompanied by scattered light showers, but I can't rule out a pre-frontal shower Thursday night and during the day Friday.

Ray Russell's 2020-2021 Winter Fearless Forecast is now available. The bottom line for the forecast is: 1) less than average snow and 2) slightly warmer than average temperatures. We will have a few significant snow events but prolonged cold periods will be difficult to sustain. Get all the details here. The Fearless Forecast is sponsored by Peak Insurance Group.

The 2021 Blue Ridge Calendar will be available in stores this week.  Visit RaysMarketPlace.com for a complete listing of retailers or purchase online.  A portion of the proceeds goes to support the important work of the Blue Ridge Conservancy.

Wednesday Hi: 73 Lo: 49 Partly to mostly cloudy; Fog possible again; Light SE wind;

Thursday Hi: 69 Lo: 51 Early patchy fog, then partly to mostly cloudy; Continued pleasant temperatures; Cannot rule out a stray, light shower with fog Thur night; Light SE wind

Friday Hi: 67 Lo: 52 Early fog, then partly to mostly cloudy; A stray, light shower possible; Light South wind

Saturday Hi: 68 Lo: 52 Mostly cloudy; Scattered showers

Sunday Hi: 65 Lo: 53 Mostly cloudy; Cannot rule out a stray shower

Further Out

Monday - Mostly to partly cloudy; Slightest chance of a light shower; High in the upper 60s; Low in the lower 50s
Tuesday - More clouds than sun; Perhaps a late-day shower; High in the upper 60s; Low near 50 degrees

Forecast Discussion

High pressure is moving off the Atlantic coast and once the transition is complete Thursday the steady October warmth remains, however it will be tempered by increased cloudiness. A persistent south to southeasterly flow on the backside of the high is the culprit, introducing Atlantic moisture into the region. As the moisture bumps into the mountains a light shower is possible Thursday night and during the day Friday.

A rather benign front moves through from the west Saturday. Scattered showers are in play, especially during the afternoon, but rainfall amounts are generally light.

There isn't any appreciable cooler air behind the front and high pressure building in from the north helps to "trap" low level moisture. More clouds than sun remains the theme Sunday through Tuesday with the slightest chance of a shower each day. Another cold front makes a run late Tuesday or Wednesday though it too may lack any significant oomph.

In the tropical Atlantic, Epsilon became a major hurricane this afternoon, and will pass east of Bermuda on Friday before recurving out to sea. It’s the 26th named storm of the hyperactive 2020 season.

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