Temperatures continue to climb, skies turn hazy Wednesday

The countdown is on! We are now 12 days away from the seasonal change from astronomical summer to autumn. Our weather pattern in the short term however will be nothing but fall-like as this week's warming trend continues. 

Tuesday begins on a cool note with temperatures in the upper 40s and low 50s. Sunshine, along with a warm breeze out of the southwest, will quickly bring afternoon highs back in the low 80s. Cool and quiet tonight as partly cloudy skies will remain in place into Wednesday morning. 

 

Upper level flow Wednesday will be oriented from west to east, allowing more wildfire smoke to filter into our atmosphere. So while tomorrow does feature a mix of clouds and sun, skies will be hazy. Warm southwest winds will continue to dominate the low-levels, resulting in slightly warmer temperatures. Expect highs in the upper 80s. 

 

Ridging higher up will continue to strengthen into Thursday. This is where we see the peak of the upcoming temperature climb as afternoon highs will land a few degrees shy of the 90° mark. Compared to average, Thursday's high of 88° lands 11° above September 12th standards. 

Something else to keep an eye on will be the elevated risk for brush and grass fires due to low relative humidity and very dry vegetation. 

Thankfully, surface winds won't be strong, but will still be enough to keep the brush and grass fire risk elevated  through Thursday. Afternoon highs are then expected to fall back into the low 80s Friday through Sunday as a slightly cooler airmass filters in ahead of what is now tropical storm Francine's remnants.Moisture may push north enough for rain chances to increase, especially Sunday into early next week.