Weekend Weather Outlook for the Lowcountry: Rain and Possible Thunderstorms Ahead!

Weekend Weather Outlook for the Lowcountry: Rain and Possible Thunderstorms Ahead!

If you’re in the Lowcountry, it’s time to pull out those raincoats and umbrellas! This weekend is shaping up to be a bit unpredictable as we’re gearing up for some rainy weather, and there’s a good chance we may even see some thunderstorms.

Light Showers to Start

As of Friday, a coastal trough just offshore has been drifting over the area, leading to some light showers and those dreary, gray skies many of us are all too familiar with this time of year. It appears the weather has some surprises in store for us starting Sunday morning. According to the National Weather Service, there’s as much as an 80% chance of rain on Sunday morning, particularly in areas like Hilton Head and Beaufort.

What’s more, thunderstorms are expected to emerge after 10 a.m., bringing with them potential rainfall of anywhere from a quarter to a half inch.

Windy Conditions are On the Way

It looks like we’ll be experiencing some gusty winds too! South winds are likely to blow at speeds of 10 to 13 mph, with gusts reaching up to 21 mph. So hold on tight to your hats and be cautious if you’re out and about!

The Rain Doesn’t Stop There

But wait, there’s more! The forecast for Sunday night into Monday morning isn’t looking great either. There’s a 50% chance of more showers and thunderstorms, which could add at least another 10th of an inch of rain to the mix. Talk about a rainy weekend!

Preparing for Possible Severe Weather

However, there’s also a bit of uncertainty in the air regarding how severe the thunderstorms might actually be. Frank Strait, who’s the severe weather liaison for the South Carolina State Climate Office, mentioned that the conditions for severe weather seem to be lining up nicely. The essential ingredients for strong storms—warmth, humidity, and wind shear—are all present, but how intense things will get is still up in the air.

About the thunderstorm risk, Strait noted: “We’re unsure how warm it will get since that depends on how cloudy it will be ahead of the front…” He explained that the speed of the incoming front will also dictate how and where storms will manifest during the more unstable parts of the day.

Stay Informed and Prepared

So what does this mean for you? Strait suggests keeping an eye on the forecast as we head into the weekend. He advises that you check the updated forecasts on Saturday and again Sunday morning to stay informed. It’s always better to be prepared, right?

In summary, while it may look dreary this weekend, there’s a chance for some exciting weather as we deal with the rain, and possibly even some intense thunderstorms. Make sure to stay safe, plan any outdoor activities accordingly, and don’t forget your umbrella!