Afternoon Roundup: Ridiculously pleasant weather

While the eyes of many have been focused on Tropical Storm Erika (and rightfully so), the weather in our local area has taken a turn for the better over the last 24 hours. Behind a cold front which moved through the area earlier this week, the airmass has undergone a dramatic change. The departing moisture and humidity has given way to comfortable air, plenty of sun, and a lovely breeze. High temperatures are still reaching into the lower 80’s, keeping things pleasantly warm as well. The trend will continue through the next few days as high pressure remains firmly in control.

Northwest winds today will align more west-southwest by this weekend, allowing for temperatures to warm further. Warmer air in the mid and upper levels will also help the cause — with Saturday and Sunday turning out to be fantastic days for outdoor activities (and the beach!). Here are some highlights:

  • Slightly cooler, pleasant and dry weather today with just a few clouds this afternoon. Highs in the 80’s. It gets cool tonight — temperatures may even fall into the 50’s in the area suburbs.
  • Warming up a bit this weekend as a high pressure ridge moves overhead. Highs will move back toward the mid and upper 80’s.
  • Tropical Storm Erika continues moving west-northwest, and is entering a critical stage over the next 24-48 hours. Some models now take her near Hispaniola, where rugged and steep terrain can shred the system. This, coupled with unfavorable atmospheric shear for her organization, could mean trouble for her — and not surprisingly, is one of the main reason why forecast models are struggling with her track and intensity.