A Break in the Pattern: Cool 70s and Drier Skies Headed Our Way

This evening brings a notable shift in our weather setup across the region. The cold front that slid through earlier today has officially pushed south into the central Carolinas, and with it, the threat of widespread heavy rain is winding down for most of us.

The Flood Watch has been cancelled for southside Hampton Roads, as those heavier rain bands stayed further south than originally anticipated. However, the Flood Watch remains in effect for northeast North Carolina through midnight tonight, where lingering moisture could still drop an additional 2 to 3 inches of rain in any lingering downpours.

Here is what you need to know heading into the weekend.

1. Heavy Rain Threat Moves South

If you're north of Richmond, today was relatively dry with rainfall totals largely under a quarter inch. Across southern Virginia, totals ranged from 0.5 to 3 inches, while portions of northeast North Carolina bore the brunt of the atmospheric moisture with totals reaching 1 to 4 inches.

While moisture levels (PWATs around 2.0–2.2 inches) remain saturated over the far southeastern corner, a brief lull in shower activity is expected through late this evening. Scattered showers may redevelop near the coast early Friday morning, but the worst of the widespread heavy rain for Hampton Roads is behind us.

A note on the air outside: Up near Louisa County, dewpoints dropped into the upper 50s earlier with temperatures in the mid-70s—giving a brief, almost fall-like breath of fresh air. Lows tonight will dip into the cool 60s across the board.

2. A Noticeably Cooler Weekend Ahead

As the front stalls to our south and a weak low-pressure system develops along it over central North Carolina, onshore winds will keep temperatures cooler than normal right through Sunday.

Overall, this marks a break from the relentless wet pattern. While we can't rule out an isolated afternoon pop-up storm over the weekend, the vast majority of the region will stay dry.

Marine & Coastal Notes

• Rip Currents: A Moderate Risk for rip currents remains active across all local beaches through Friday due to onshore flow and elevated swell. Expect low risk for the weekend.

• Boating/Bay: Winds remain out of the northeast at 10–15 knots tonight, with seas hovering around 3–4 feet. Conditions will relax gradually over the weekend into early next week, with seas dropping back to 2–3 feet.

🌧️ Did you get flooded out or blessed with that crisp break in humidity today? Drop your local rainfall total in the comments below, like this post if you're ready for 70s this weekend, and share it with a friend planning outdoor vibes!