Forecast Discussions mentioning any of "HRRR" "RAP" "RUC13" "RUC" "RR" received at GSD on 09/13/23


AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
National Weather Service Hastings NE
618 PM CDT Tue Sep 12 2023 ...Aviation Update... .DISCUSSION...(This evening through Tuesday) Issued at 442 PM CDT Tue Sep 12 2023 -- KEY MESSAGES FOR THE ENTIRE 7-DAY FORECAST (generally chronological order): * Classic early-fall weather (not too warm/not too cold) continues this week: As many (we know not all) reading this likely agree, weather conditions such as today`s just don`t come much better (comfortable temps/low humidity/light winds etc.)! Although the next couple days will likely be very slightly warmer and a touch breezier, all-in-all things will remain very enjoyable. * Rain/thunderstorm chances return Thurs night-Fri night (severe storm risk appears minimal): Although we don`t want to get folks hopes up too much (especially for higher amounts), there still looks to be a decent 24-36 window-of-opportunity for at least isolated/scattered (and MAYBE somewhat widespread) convection associated with the gradual passage of our next upper trough/weak surface front. Cumulative rain amounts will surely vary, but latest WPC QPF forecast generally favors an areal average of roughly 0.25" inch. On a positive note, the combination of lackluster instability/fairly weak looks to render any severe storm threat quite minimal. As for actual rain chances/PoPs, intentionally opted to cap them at 50 percent for now, as was not quite comfortable enough to introduce "likely" percentages quite yet. * Drying out and warming up a bit this weekend-early next weekend: Although we are not talking about an extreme warm-up by any means, confidence is high that following a cooler Friday (due to more widespread clouds/precip around), temps will gradually warm up again as dry weather returns for at least the vast majority of the Sat-Tues time frame. Although suspect our forecast temps may still not be quite high enough (especially for Mon- Tues), we are currently calling for a return to more widespread low-mid 80s for highs and slightly higher humidity (dewpoints more 50s vs. 40s). * A peek ahead slightly beyond the official 7-day (turning more active mid-late week?): Although far from a sure thing of course, latest ECMWF/GFS deterministic runs (with support from ECWMF ensemble) suggest a pattern change mid-late next week, with a western CONUS upper ridge replaced by a larger-scale (albeit perhaps very slow- moving/blocked up) upper trough. The net result is the possibility for increasing rain/thunderstorm chances around the Sep 20-21 (Wed- Thurs) time frame, which is also reflected on the latest CPC 8-14 Day Outlook, which reflects a slight lean toward above normal precip (time will tell). -- MORE DETAILS/INFO BUILDING UPON KEY MESSAGES ABOVE (including all further discussion of Days 2-7 Thurs-Tues): - Biggest chances versus previous (overnight) forecast package: Really, nothing very noteworthy. However, on a more minor level: 1) Although they were already limited in area, opted to "push back" a touch on the default NBM model load (which populates our longer term periods) and remove all mentionable Pops from Thursday daytime, as odds favor any activity remaining off to our north/west until the evening and especially post-sunset. 2) Although previous forecast already had a rain shower mention for Thurs night, opted to also add in a thunderstorm chance with this as well, as cannot rule out at least limited lightning activity. 3) Although previous forecast tended to nudge high temps down for several upcoming days, this latest package has nudged them back up...including fairly widespread 2-4 degree increases Sat-Mon (and perhaps not enough). - General overview of the large-scale upper air/surface weather pattern: Compared to 24 hours ago, the latest ECMWF/GFS runs are in overall-better agreement...specifically regarding the placement/timing of a shortwave trough tracking southeastward out of Canada into the eastern CONUS this weekend (the disturbance responsible for our Thurs night-Fri night rain chances). Thus, the general expectations are as follows: 1) Tonight-Thursday daytime: Our official forecast remains a dry one (and with fairly high confidence) as we remain under benign northwesterly flow aloft, and in the grips of a dry/stable airmass. 2) Thursday evening-Friday night: The aforementioned trough gradually tracks from southern Canada southeastward into the eastern CONUS, with forcing extending southwestward into our region (including convergence along a weak surface boundary). Thus, this time frame contains the vast majority of rain/thunderstorm chances in the 7-day. 3) Saturday-Sunday: While most national attention will be on the far northeast U.S. and Canadian Maritimes for possible Hurricane Lee impacts there, we are looking at what currently appears to be a very nice weekend in the wake of the aforementioned passing upper trough, with weak upper ridging prevailing aloft. Highs in the upper 70s-low 80s with overall-light winds. 4) Monday-Tuesday: Our surface breezes flip back around to southerly and the flow aloft starts to transition from northwesterly to more zonal (west- east) ahead of the potentially more active time frame just beyond the 7-day. Confidence is fairly high in a more solid warm up into the 80s, along with increasing low-level moisture/modest humidity increases. Most of this time frame is probably dry, but both ECWMF/GFS hint at at least spotty thunderstorm potential as early as Mon night (for now our official forecast holds off any slight PoPs until Tues daytime). -- SHORTER TERM DETAILS FOCUSED SOLELY ON THE NEXT 36 HOURS (through Wed night/early Thurs AM): - CURRENT/RECENT WEATHER SCENE AS OF 4 PM: Wow, what a spectacular day by this forecaster`s personal definition! Following a seasonably-cool start with widespread lows solidly in the 40s (including as chilly as 41 at Greeley per our NWS observer), as was fully expected today has featured plenty of sun (only pockets of shallow "fair weather" cumulus in spots) and slightly-cooler-than-normal temperatures, with highs on track to top out 74-78 most places. Dewpoints have mixed well down into the low-mid 40s, keeping a distinct lack of humidity going. If anything, southeast-southerly breezes were weaker/slower to develop in the wake of a departing surface ridge axis, with most places this afternoon averaging sustained speeds no more than 5-8 MPH. - THIS EVENING/TONIGHT: As any limited, diurnally-driven shallow cumulus fades away, the stage will be set for another clear/mostly clear and seasonably- cool night. Really the only difference from last night will be the presence of very light southerly breezes...only around 5 MPH or less, but just a smidge more breeze than last night. In theory, this should keep temps from falling quite as far as last night, but we are only talking by a couple of degrees in most places, and have most of the CWA aimed into the 47-51 range, and fully expect typical cooler spots (such as Ord airport) to reach mid 40s. - WEDNESDAY DAYTIME: All in all, another spectacular day for the CWA as a whole. Under continued benign west-northwesterly flow aloft, we again expect plenty of sun most areas, albeit probably with a bit more shallow cumulus and some limited upper level clouds (especially south). In fact, there are signs that a fairly widespread deck of lower clouds could actually plague much of western KS, so will need to watch to make sure some of this more concentrated cloud cover doesn`t end up getting into especially the Rooks/Phillips area. There could also be a few spotty/light showers at least somewhat near the far southwestern edges of our CWA in the afternoon (per latest HRRR), so this will also need monitored, but have pretty decent confidence in the going CWA-wide dry forecast. But getting back to the main message (comfortable, mostly sunny, dry), the main difference from today is that temps will be slightly warmer (highs aimed 77-80 most areas) and southerly breezes will be slightly steadier/stronger (but still only sustained 5-15 MPH). - WEDNESDAY NIGHT: High confidence continues in the going dry forecast CWA-wide, although latest HRRR tries to suggest some spotty sprinkles cannot be ruled out mainly in KS zones toward sunrise Thurs (something for later shifts to monitor). Otherwise, its another night of light southerly breezes, which along with a slightly warmer low- level airmass, should keep low temps roughly 5 degrees milder than tonight`s lows...and thus have most areas bottoming out between 52-55. It currently appears that any potential for at least light fog should remain slightly west of our CWA, but this will also need watched. && .AVIATION...(For the 00Z KGRI/KEAR TAFS through 00Z Thursday) Issued at 604 PM CDT Tue Sep 12 2023 VFR conditions expected through the period. Clear skies tonight with only diurnally-driven cumulus Wednesday afternoon. Light and variable winds expected to turn to the south on Wednesday. && .GID WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... NE...NONE. KS...NONE. && $$ DISCUSSION...Pfannkuch AVIATION...Mangels
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Chicago/Romeoville, IL
1029 PM CDT Tue Sep 12 2023 .UPDATE... Issued at 1029 PM CDT Tue Sep 12 2023 Made just a few touch-ups to the going forecast with tonight`s evening updates. First, with a few nearshore buoys still reporting waves around 4 ft as of this writing, have extended the going Beach Hazards Statement for all four of our lake-adjacent counties through 09Z/400 AM CDT. Secondly, have introduced a patchy fog mention for our southeastern CWA. Low dew point depressions at this hour and light/calm winds seem to point towards at least patchy fog developing somewhere in the area tonight, especially considering that some fog developed last night in this same air mass. Cloud cover remains a bit of a wildcard, though it appears that portions of interior northwest Indiana and areas near and south of the Kankakee River in Illinois stand a good chance at having skies remain clear enough to permit continued good radiational cooling there through most or all of the night. Guidance has also really been liking this area to see some visibility reductions tonight, so introducing some sort of fog mention here felt like the best course of action. Can`t rule out patchy fog developing elsewhere, but mixed signals in guidance and low confidence in cloud coverage remaining sufficiently sparse precluded the introduction of a fog mention into the forecast grids elsewhere at this time. Lastly, the going precipitation forecast largely remains in good shape with isolated/widely scattered showers currently trickling through portions of northern Illinois as expected. Did opt to introduce a slight chance thunder mention after midnight for far northeastern Illinois and our Illinois nearshore waters as it looks like up to around 500 J/kg of MUCAPE may be present here right as a localized uptick in convective coverage is advertised in most of the 00Z CAMs as a 700 mb vort max swings into the area. It`s possible that most of this activity ends up remaining just northeast of our forecast area, but the spatial footprint of this convection depicted in the 00Z CAMs goes far enough south/southwest to warrant having some thunder mention, in addition to holding onto high end chance PoPs in this area. There are also some signs that a lake-induced mesolow could develop as this activity tracks out over the lake. If this were to occur, then that would enhance the potential for waterspouts over Lake Michigan late overnight into early tomorrow morning. However, confidence in this occurring in close enough proximity to our nearshore zones was too low to justify an increase to our going slight chance waterspout probabilities. Ogorek && .SHORT TERM... Issued at 305 PM CDT Tue Sep 12 2023 Through Wednesday night... Early this afternoon, most of the area is seated comfortably underneath some fair weather cumulus with temperatures in the upper 60s to around 70 degrees. Meanwhile, a broken line of showers and thunderstorms is building in eastern IA and extreme SW WI, and another in far SE MN into western WI. Only a couple of models actually picked up on that first line with this morning`s 12Z runs. And even the hourly-updating RAP and HRRR are struggling to resolve this line; in fact the HRRR is dry as a bone out that way for the next couple of hours. However, the few models that did all have this first line fizzling away near or west of the I-39 corridor during the late afternoon. Latest RAP analysis does place an instability gradient across the region with nearly 1,000 J/kg of SBCAPE in eastern IA dropping to just a couple of hundred joules in the northwestern CWA. Additionally, the profile is notably drier over north-central IL than eastern IA. Despite decent synoptic forcing at play, the lack of moisture and instability will likely do well to keep this first line of showers out of the CWA, at least for the most part. That second line, however, that`s currently pushing into western WI looks like a much better shot at seeing some rain in our neck of the woods. This line is developing in a region of good PVA just east of the upper trough axis with the aid of a ~30kt 700mb jet max running along the IA-MN state line. As the upper low continues to swing across the Great Lakes, this complex of showers is expected to work its way into the far northern CWA by this evening. Continued height falls as we await the trough axis are expected to cool the mid levels enough to get us to as many as 500-600 J/kg of CAPE by this evening in the far northwestern CWA. However, this instability will drop off pretty readily following sundown. Therefore, thunderstorm chances, while already rather marginal, should be confined to areas west of the Chicago metro and roughly near and north of I-88. Guidance is hitting the thunder potential much harder across southern and SE WI where they will see added forcing provided by that mid-level jet. Scattered showers are then expected to move across a good chunk of the CWA through the rest of the night and into early Wednesday morning. Precip chances will remain highest near and north of I-88 closer to the center of the upper low. The cooler weather tonight and tomorrow will again result in unstable conditions over the lake enhancing the precip potential for areas near lake, especially tomorrow morning. With the vort hanging over the lake for the majority of the day, lake-enhanced showers could potentially continue to fall into the afternoon, particularly over northwest Indiana. This could also possibly lead to a waterspout or two over the lake tomorrow. A large surface high will begin dropping into the area from the north tonight. With the rain expected this evening and light winds overnight, northwestern portions of the CWA may see some shallow fog develop tonight, especially if we can get some good clearing with the dry advection behind the upper low. A mix of clouds and sun tomorrow morning will turn mostly sunny by the afternoon as dry air continues flowing in. Tomorrow will once again be a cooler day for us with highs forecast in the upper 60s to around 70 south of I-80. With the high centering itself over the region late tomorrow, the light winds and clear skies provide a seemingly good setup for some scattered to possibly even widespread areas of fog into Thursday morning. Doom && .LONG TERM... Issued at 202 PM CDT Tue Sep 12 2023 Thursday through Tuesday... Surface high pressure will be in control across the region Thursday and Friday. Light winds and mainly clear skies will promote mild and pleasant daytime highs in the 70s and seasonably cool overnight lows in the mid 40s to the low 50s. Early morning fog will also be possible, particularly early Thursday morning as the surface high moves overhead. While the end of the week is looking quiet weather-wise, the next mid and upper level disturbance is set to dig southeastward across the Upper Midwest and into the western Great Lakes region Saturday into Sunday. As this occurs, an accompanying surface cold front is expected to shift into the area sometime later in the weekend (late Saturday or Sunday). While some threat for showers exists with the frontal boundary itself late Saturday into Sunday, it appears the best potential for showers and storms may come for areas near the lake as a result of lake effect processes as the cold upper trough shifts overhead on Sunday. While some lake effect showers can`t be ruled out into Monday, it should be a dry day for most. Forecast highs through the weekend will generally be in the low to mid 70s, with readings likely to rebound a bit into early next week. KJB && .AVIATION... For the 00Z TAFs... ISOLD to WDLY SCTD SHRA expected in the terminal air space tonight into early Wednesday morning as an upper level disturbance moves across the region. While SHRA threat is expected to diminish in the terminal air space by around sunrise Wednesday morning, robust lake effect SHRA and possibly a couple ISOLD TSRA are expected to continue over southern Lake Michigan Wednesday morning. Light and variable winds expected tonight. Wednesday morning, a meso-low over Lake Michigan could influence winds at ORD, MDW, and GYY, resulting a west of due north component at ORD and MDW with a south or southwest winds at GYY. Winds speeds should remain below 10KT during the morning. By afternoon as the meso-low pushes south and dissipates, look for lake breeze to move inland, likely resulting in a wind shift to northeast during the afternoon. Timing of the wind shift to northeast is low confidence. - Izzi && .LOT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... IL...Beach Hazards Statement...ILZ006-ILZ103-ILZ104 until 4 AM Wednesday. IN...Beach Hazards Statement...INZ001-INZ002 until 4 AM Wednesday. LM...Small Craft Advisory...nearshore waters until 10 PM Tuesday. && $$ Visit us at weather.gov/chicago Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube at: www.facebook.com/NWSChicago www.twitter.com/NWSChicago www.youtube.com/NWSChicago
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
930 PM EDT Tue Sep 12 2023 .SYNOPSIS... A boundary will remain nearby through this evening before moving to the east as a cool front later tonight. A stronger cold front and its associated upper-level trough will pass through the area later Wednesday into Wednesday night. Canadian high pressure will build overhead for late in the week into the weekend. && .NEAR TERM /UNTIL 7 AM WEDNESDAY MORNING/... Upper trough across the western Great Lks is expected to amplify across the northern Mid-Atlantic into the central Applachians next 24 to 36 hrs hours. As it does so, height falls will overspread the area tonight leading to large scale forcing and widespread showers and perhaps a few thunderstorms. This is already underway per KLWX radar trends and lightning data. Rainfall amounts are expected to be around a quarter of an inch, except in northeast MD where moisture convergence and instability will be maximized and HREF probabilities indicate possibility of intense rainfall rates and amounts up to 3 inches. In addition, this area has seen the most rain in the past 5 days or so and may be the most vulnerable to flooding. For this reason, a Flood Watch has been issued for Cecil and Harford Counties from 03Z till 15Z Wed. As far as severe weather is concerned, a low end threat for a brief spin-up tornado cannot be ruled as low-level flow continues to increase. The 01Z RAP objective analysis shows a bullseye in the Supercell Composite field across northeastern Maryland. && .SHORT TERM /7 AM WEDNESDAY MORNING THROUGH THURSDAY NIGHT/... Sfc cold front will be crossing the area after 12Z Wed, but 925 and 850 mb dewpoint fronts will be lagging behind as well as 500 mb trof axis. So, expect the risk of showers to persist through much of the day particularly east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. However, with the best moisture and instabillity axis shifting east of the Chesapeake Bay, expect any flooding or severe wx to remain well east of the Chesapeake Bay. Weak high pressure builds over the region for the second half of the week leading to cooler and fair weather conditions. && .LONG TERM /FRIDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/... High pressure is expected to remain overhead Friday through Sunday, yielding dry conditions with normal temperatures. By the weekend temperatures may gradually warm to near or just above normal with the high pressure and ample sunshine, though the further into the extended, the more dependent conditions will be on the track of Lee. As we continue to monitor Lee, stay up to date with the latest information on the tropics at nhc.noaa.gov. For now, dry conditions are expected to continue through the weekend with a possible weak frontal passage Sunday into the early part of the work week. Some precipitation is possible with this fropa, but will depend on how dry the air mass is. && .AVIATION /01Z WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/... Showers and possible thunderstorms are expected tonight mainly through the overnight hours. The greatest chances have shifted northward given current radar trends. This places the main threat across the DC terminals initially, before shifting to KBWI and KMTN within the next couple hours. Some brief cig and/or vsby restrictions are possible. Scattered showers are still possible Wed, but most showers should be done by 15Z. As the upper trough passes overhead, a few showers may fire up during the afternoon, especially I-66 southward. VFR conditions are expected Friday and Saturday as high pressure sits overhead. Thanks to the tight pressure gradient with Lee offshore, winds both days will be 10-15kt out of the N/NW with gusts 15-20kts, though winds will likely be strongest Friday. && .MARINE... Widespread showers and isold/sct t-storms expected tonight through 18Z Wed. A few SMWs may be required. Gradient winds strengthen late Wed night and remain in SCA category into the weekend. SCAs are likely Friday and possible during the day Saturday as a tight pressure gradient from Lee passing offshore creates gusty NW winds over the waters. Winds gradually diminish by Saturday night. && .HYDROLOGY... A Flood Watch remains in effect across Harford and Cecil Counties from 11 PM this evening until 11 AM Wednesday. This area has seen the most rainfall within the past 5 days which would increase the risk for future flash flooding. Toward the D.C. and Baltimore metros, locally heavy rainfall could lead to isolated flooding across the typical more vulnerable locations. The latter threat essentially subsides through the overnight hours. && .TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING... With tidal anomalies slightly elevated, a couple of the more sensitive locations should push into Action stage during the next high tide. However, water levels should quickly drop off behind a strong cold front which pushes through midday Wednesday. && .LWX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... DC...None. MD...Flood Watch through Wednesday morning for MDZ008-507-508. VA...None. WV...None. MARINE...None. && $$ SYNOPSIS...LFR NEAR TERM...LFR/BRO SHORT TERM...LFR LONG TERM...CAS AVIATION...LFR/BRO/CAS MARINE...LFR/CAS HYDROLOGY... TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING...
Area Forecast Discussion...UPDATED
National Weather Service Memphis TN
947 PM CDT Tue Sep 12 2023 ...New UPDATE... .UPDATE... Issued at 947 PM CDT Tue Sep 12 2023 Midsouth temperatures prevailed in the 70s at 9 PM. MSAS theta-e surface analysis showed a weak front across north MS, with upper 60s dewpoints to the south, mid 60s to the north. A true continental airmass prevailed further north, over central MO and IL, where upper 40s to mid 50s dewpoints were common. 00Z NAM and recent runs of the HRRR model depict mid/upper 50s dewpoints spreading into areas along and north of I-40 by sunrise. This modest influx of drier should be sufficient to limit overnight fog potential. In the interim, the usual spots - Jackson, and other spots near the TN River, may see brief patchy fog - if clouds clear more than an hour or two. Forecast remains on track, with no significant changes needed. PWB && .SYNOPSIS... Issued at 232 PM CDT Tue Sep 12 2023 Rain chances will diminish tonight as a cold front brings a return of drier air and continued cool temperatures to the Mid-South. Lows tonight will range from the upper 50s middle 60s. Highs for Wednesday through Friday will be in the upper 70s to lower 80s. Another cold front will bring a slight chance for showers and thunderstorms to areas mostly south of I-40 on Saturday, followed by additional cooler and drier air for the remainder of next weekend into early next week. && .DISCUSSION... (This evening through next Monday) Issued at 232 PM CDT Tue Sep 12 2023 Upper level WV imagery depicts a longwave trough digging south into the Mid MS Valley impacting the weather pattern within the MidSouth. Scattered to isolated showers throughout are associated with a cold front that cut across the region earlier today. High temperatures area-wide are in the upper 70s due to abundant cloud cover and rain showers. This activity should diminish by early evening. Drier air will continue to filter in on Wednesday with slightly lower surface dewpoints. Mid-level flow will gradually transition from northwest to nearly zonal flow with mainly rain free conditions to persist through Friday. Highs are expected to remain in the 80s for the remainder of the week but will slightly increase as shortwave ridging builds across the Lower Mississippi Valley. On Saturday, a cold front will produce another round of showers and perhaps a few thunderstorms. Global ensemble models depict chances for showers impacting areas mostly south and east of Memphis. Estimated QPF shows very light rainfall with values only reaching 3/10 of an inch. Rain showers ahead of this cold front are expected to only last into late afternoon. Rain-free conditions are anticipated for late weekend into the beginning of next week with highs in the lower to mid 80s and lows in the upper 50s to 60s. && .AVIATION... (00Z TAFS) Issued at 609 PM CDT Tue Sep 12 2023 Showers are continuing to push out of the region with JBR being the final terminal with shower activity. Cloud decks will hang around until towards the end of the TAF period, but will continue to lift and scatter out. MVFR cigs should remain to the west of the terminals this evening and winds will remain from the north. DNM && .MEG WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... AR...None. MO...None. MS...None. TN...None. && $$ PUBLIC FORECAST...GNC AVIATION...DNM
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City NC
954 PM EDT Tue Sep 12 2023 .SYNOPSIS... A stalled front just west of the area will dissipate today, giving way to another cold front crossing the area later tomorrow into tomorrow night, with ridging building in behind the front late week through the weekend. && .NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 AM WEDNESDAY MORNING/... As of 955 PM Tue...Isolated thunderstorms currently occurring over the northern coastal plain counties this evening. Expect a few more storms to continue developing over the coastal plain through about 6Z in region of best instability. Another night of calm winds and moist low levels means a renewed risk of patchy fog, but increasing clouds from the west could play spoiler especially for areas west of Highway 17. Muggy overnight temperatures expected, in the low 70s inland to mid to upper 70s along the beach. && .SHORT TERM /6 AM WEDNESDAY MORNING THROUGH 6 PM WEDNESDAY/... As of 425 PM Tues...Cold front, and deeper moisture ahead of it, will advance eastward through Wednesday. Airmass will be sufficiently unstable to support a bit more widespread convective activity, with the primary source of lift being convergence between sea/sound breezes and whatever remnant outflow from today shifts into eastern NC. Environment is modestly sheared with the HRRR showing effective shear of 20-25 kt, increasing slightly farther south. Stronger storms could support primarily wet microbursts as well as locally heavy rainfall. SPC has areas along and south of US 70 in a Level 1 (Marginal) of 5 risk. Highs will be a couple of degrees cooler, in the mid 80s for all areas. && .LONG TERM /WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY/... As of 320 AM Tues...Most important features in the long term are (1) a cold front that will move through the region Wednesday night, with showers and thunderstorms possible ahead of it on Wednesday and (2) the combination of strong high pressure over the Great Lakes that will interact with offshore Hurricane Lee to bring increased winds and a drier, cooler airmass Thursday through the weekend. Wednesday and Thursday...A cold front will push into the region Wednesday, crossing the area Wednesday night. As moisture increases out ahead of the boundary scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop and should briefly become widespread in the afternoon during peak heating. Marginally supportive severe parameters will be present, and some storm organization could lead to a few isolated stronger cells, but severe weather is generally not anticipated. Scattered convection will continue Wednesday evening and shift to the coast as the front enters the NC coastal plain. The front will push offshore overnight, but dry air will initially be blocked from moving in by the large circulation of Hurricane Lee as it moves northward out of the tropics. As a result, shower chances will continue along the coast overnight and into Thursday morning before drier air finally moves in later in the day. Thursday Afternoon through Monday...Strong high pressure over the Great Lakes will quickly build southward Thursday behind the front which will essentially become absorbed into Hurricane Lee`s circulation. This will bring strong northerly winds to the area as the pressure gradient tightens, with the potential for Gale Force winds across the coast and Outer Banks. Another by product of this setup will be the introduction of a much drier and cooler airmass to the Carolinas with Autumn-like conditions expected into the weekend, with highs in the upper 70s to low 80s and lows dipping down into the 50s inland. By early next week, moderating temps and increasing moisture will bring at least widely scattered showers and thunderstorms and near normal temperatures. Despite passing well offshore, confidence is very high that Lee will bring dangerous coastal conditions, particularly the latter half of this week, and possibly into the weekend. See the TIDES/COASTAL FLOOD section below for more details. && .AVIATION /02Z WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/... SHORT TERM /through Wednesday/... As of 625 PM Tues...VFR conditions are forecast prevail at the TAF sites through Wed morning. There is a very small risk for an isolated shower/thunderstorm this evening into the overnight. There could also be a brief period of MVFR visibilities in light fog early Wed morning especially in areas that see some rainfall tonight. Wed afternoon scattered to numerous showers and storms are expected to develop vicinity of the TAF sites as a cold front moves into the area. LONG TERM /Wednesday night through Sunday/... As of 320 AM Tues...A cold front moves through Wednesday night, with drier high pressure bringing prolonged VFR conditions late week into the weekend with breezy to gusty N winds Thursday and Friday. && .MARINE... SHORT TERM /Through Wednesday/... As of 955 PM Tues...Winds continue southerly at 5-15 kt this evening. Little change in the weather pattern is expected tonight into tomorrow. Southerly winds will continue overnight, becoming light and variable in the morning before sea breeze development once again drives southeast to southerly flow around 10 kts. Only difference tomorrow will be a higher coverage of showers and thunderstorms lingering along the immediate coast in the afternoon, eventually drifting inland. Offshore, ocean conditions continue to slowly deteriorate as swell from Hurricane Lee continues to build. Regional buoy observations are reporting seas of 5-7 feet with a continued period of 13-14 seconds. Offshore, seas continue to slowly rise, likely another 2 feet or so higher than current observations to 6-8 ft. LONG TERM /Wednesday night through Sunday/... As of 400 AM Tues...Powerful long period swell (14-16 second periods) from Hurricane Lee will bring hazardous marine conditions to the coastal waters through this weekend as it recurves across the western Atlantic. Seas will likely build to 6-12 ft by Thursday morning. Swells will then peak later Thursday or Thursday night at 10-16 ft north of Cape Lookout, and 7-12 ft to the south with the addition of northerly wind swell. Seas will then slowly subside into the weekend, but remain hazardous. Winds will turn to the north Wednesday night behind the cold front and strengthen to 15-25 kts by Thursday morning. Winds will continue to strengthen Thursday to near Gale Force and continue at this strength through Friday morning. Winds then drop off quickly Friday night into Saturday to NW 10-15 kts. && .TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING... As of 435 PM Tues...Hurricane Lee will slowly progress north of Hispaniola and east of the Bahamas over the next several days, producing strong, long period southeasterly swell that will impact the entire eastern seaboard. This longer period swell has begun to fill in across ENC beaches and much higher waves will develop tonight through the rest of the week. High Surf Advisory remains in effect for Hatteras and Ocracoke, the Northern OBX and Core Banks, and will come into effect for the Crystal Coast beaches beginning tomorrow morning. Expect very dangerous surf conditions with large waves, strong rip currents, and powerful shorebreak into the weekend at all area beaches. Additionally, the long period (14-18 seconds) will cause extensive wave run-up, with the potential for significant beach erosion, ocean overwash, and coastal flooding. Details on the severity of impacts is dependent on the eventual track, intensity, and size of Hurricane Lee as it likely passes offshore late week. Coastal flood headlines may be needed as early as tomorrow. && .MHX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... NC...Beach Hazards Statement from 8 AM EDT Wednesday through Wednesday evening for NCZ195-196-199-203>205. High Surf Advisory from 8 AM Wednesday to 6 PM EDT Friday for NCZ195-199. High Surf Advisory until 6 PM EDT Friday for NCZ196. High Surf Advisory until 8 PM EDT Saturday for NCZ203-205. High Surf Advisory until 8 PM EDT Friday for NCZ204. MARINE...Small Craft Advisory until 8 AM EDT Sunday for AMZ150-152-154. Small Craft Advisory until 2 AM EDT Sunday for AMZ156-158. && $$ SYNOPSIS...MHX NEAR TERM...JME/MS SHORT TERM...MS LONG TERM...SGK AVIATION...JME/SGK/MS MARINE...JME/SGK/MS TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING...MHX