Weather! Warm, sunny all weekend

Like what you’ve seen this week? You’re in luck. Didn’t like this week? Might want to consider relocating temporarily.

September 17, 2010; 7:46 AM • by Weather Dan

Like what you’ve seen this week? You’re in luck. Didn’t like this week? Might want to consider relocating temporarily.

There hasn’t been a significant change in our drought status since last week — mostly because surprise! it hasn’t rained. Richmond’s annual rainfall deficit is now in excess of 9”; this is the first time we’ve crossed that threshold this year. Chesterfield County has already enacted mandatory water restrictions because of extremely low water levels at Lake Chesdin, and Hanover and Henrico Counties, along with the City of Richmond, have enacted voluntary water conservation programs in order to preserve water levels in the James River.

The tropics are still active. This marks only the ninth time in recorded history that three hurricanes have been active in the Atlantic basin at the same time.

There’s not been much change in the tracks for any of these storms since Wednesday. Karl is a category 2 storm currently, and is forecast to strengthen slightly before making landfall Friday night along the Mexican coast somewhere in the general vicinity of Tampico, Mexico. Igor has weakened somewhat, but is still a large Category 3 hurricane, and is on track to pass very near Bermuda Sunday night. Julia is a Category 1 hurricane that poses absolutely no threat to land.

As I alluded to earlier, it’s going to be more of the same this weekend in Richmond. Friday looks to be the last day with temperatures above 90. Plan on highs in the low 90s, partly cloudy skies and a mild breeze during the day as another weak cold front approaches from the west. There’s very little moisture associated with this system, so don’t expect anything more than a few clouds from the front until it passes. Lows overnight will fall into the upper 50s.

We will get the benefit of some cooler air on Saturday, with highs only in the mid 80s. More of the same otherwise: partly cloudy skies with a light breeze and no chance of rain. Overnight lows will again fall into the upper 50s.

Spidercast (vs. Elon, 1:00pm): The weather couldn’t be better for the Spiders to break in their new stadium. Expect partly cloudy skies and a kickoff temperature in the low 80s, rising to the mid 80s by game’s end.

Hokiecast (vs. East Carolina, 1:30pm): Despite the gray clouds hanging over the Hokies right now, partly sunny skies will be shining for kickoff in Blacksburg. Temperatures at kickoff will be in the mid 70s, climbing to near 80 by the fourth quarter.

We’ll see temperatures climb slightly higher on Sunday, but otherwise the pattern repeats for another day. Highs will hit the upper 80s, with mostly clear skies. Overnight lows will fall into the low 60s.

Enjoy your weekend!

September 17, 2010 7:46 AM 0