Weather! Earl passes, noticeably cooler temps ahead

For Friday, plan on clouds overhead as Earl proceeds along the East Coast. The center of the system should pass by the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay Friday morning, kicking up some gusty winds when the storm is closest to Richmond.

September 3, 2010; 7:54 AM • by Weather Dan

Earl has weakened tonight, but is still thrashing the Outer Banks.

Earl will pass about 100 miles east of Cape Hatteras, which means that most of the effects of Earl will stay well east of Richmond, and there’s no real threat of landfall until the storm reaches the Canadian Maritime provinces. We’ve already seen plenty of clouds over Richmond beginning Thursday afternoon, and will continue to see clouds until the storm is well clear of the area – likely late Friday.

For Friday, plan on clouds overhead as Earl proceeds along the East Coast. The center of the system should pass by the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay Friday morning, kicking up some gusty winds when the storm is closest to Richmond. Some of the far outer rain bands may reach as far as Richmond, so there’s a very real chance of a shower into the early afternoon before Earl moves into New England. Partly and mostly cloudy skies will clear up later in the day, allowing the sun to peek through as a cold front approaches from the west. Expect highs in the low 90s, dropping to the low 60s overnight.

Squirrelcast (vs. Bowie, 7:05pm): Earl should be well clear of Virginia by the time we get to the first pitch. Plan on temps in the upper 80s to start the game, dropping to the mid 70s by the 9th inning.

A cold front approaches the area Friday evening into the overnight hours, and will bring cooler temperatures beginning Saturday. Like that chill in the air that comes with the beginning of football season? You’ll feel it Saturday, as highs will only climb into the low 80s. That’s right – the low 80s. There’s no moisture associated with the cold front, so we’ll get mostly sunny skies to go along with that, and Saturday night lows in the mid 50s.

Cavcast/Spidercast (Richmond at Virginia, 6:00pm): That’s right, it’s the first Saturday of college football season, and the Spiders will be in Charlottesville. Kickoff temperatures will be in the mid 70s, dropping into the mid 60s by the end of the 4th quarter under mostly clear skies.

Squirrelcast (vs. Bowie, 6:35pm): More clear skies and cool temperatures for the Squirrels final homestand. Expect game-time temperatures in the upper 70s, dropping to the upper 60s by game’s end.

It’s going to be lather, rinse, repeat on Sunday as well. Plan on more mostly clear skies, highs in the low 80s and lows in the mid 50s.

Squirrelcast (vs. Bowie, 5:05pm): First pitch temperatures will be in the upper 70s to near 80 at first pitch, cooling to the low 70s by the 9th inning.

Looking ahead to Labor Day and the Hokies’ matchup with Boise State in Washington, DC, plan on a repeat of this weekend, with mostly clear skies and highs in the 80s. I’ll have a complete forecast Monday morning.

September 3, 2010 7:54 AM 0