How long will daily thunderstorms pester outdoor plans in the southeastern US?
Widespread downpours will persist in the southeastern United States, but their frequency may decrease for a time this week.
Since late last week, tropical moisture has led to an uptick in the intensity, coverage and frequency of the daily thunderstorms that are typical in the Southeast during the summertime.
During the first four days of August, Greenville, South Carolina, was soaked with 3.86 inches of rainfall, which is 86 percent of normal rainfall for the entire month. Most of this rain fell on Aug. 1 alone.
The afternoon and evening hours will be the most active stormy periods and most likely times for disrupted outdoor activities. As such, the morning hours will offer the best opportunity to take a hike, run or swim.
The rain gear will need to be kept on hand as widespread showers and thunderstorms bubble up, including around Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina; Columbia, South Carolina; Atlanta; Nashville; Birmingham, Alabama; New Orleans and Pensacola, Florida.
"Boaters and anyone outdoors should keep an eye out for rapidly changing weather conditions," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said.
Towering, darkening clouds and rumbles of thunder are signs that it is time to get inside.
"Thunder is nature's warning that you are close enough to be struck by lightning," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski said.
Locations that have been hit repeatedly in recent days will be most susceptible for low-lying and poor drainage flooding from any additional downpours. However, flash flooding can occur at any location that is hit by a slow-moving, drenching storm.
Even in the absence of flooding, water collecting on area interstates will create a heightened risk of vehicles hydroplaning while traveling at highway speeds.
Thunderstorms may decrease in coverage over interior areas on Tuesday while continuing to riddle coastal communities.
A cold front moving in around the middle of the week may once again bring an uptick in downpours across the region.
Since dry air behind that front may have a tough time penetrating very deep into the South, there is the likelihood of at least additional, spotty thunderstorms to erupt late this week and this weekend.
No cooling will come behind this front, with typical summertime heat and humidity persisting through the end of the week.
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