UPDATE 8:40 a.m.: The Rowan County Fair has officially closed for the year due to weather conditions.

From Ready Rowan: A slowly moving upper level low pressure system over the Southeast states will interact with tropical moisture from hurricane Joaquin off the Atlantic coast to produce copious rainfall across the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia through the weekend.

Areas of moderate to heavy rainfall have already developed across the region this morning, and the coverage and intensity of the rainfall will increase through tonight. Heavy rain will continue through much of the weekend, impacting many locations around the region where soils are already saturated.

Although some uncertainty remains regarding the exact placement of the heaviest rainfall, confidence is fairly high that widespread 5 to 10 inch rainfall totals will occur. A band of 10 to 12 inches will be possible, with the latest trends focusing the heaviest rainfall potential on the upper Savannah River area and the lower Piedmont of upstate South Carolina. This amount of rainfall could result in significant, life-threatening flash flooding and flooding along main stem rivers.

The flash flood watch for our area in in effect today and has been extended through Monday.

The chance of rain today, tonight and Saturday is 100 percent, with periods of heavy rain expected.

Today will see a high of only 57 degrees, with winds continuing to blow from the north northeast at 14-17 mph, gusting as high as 28 mph. One to 2 inches of rain is expected, with higher totals from heavier storms.

Tonight, thunderstorms are possible around 2 a.m., with even heavier rainfall embedded. The low will be 52, with more wind from the north northeast at 17 mph, gusting to 26 mph. At least another 1 to 2 inches of rain is expected.

Saturday will also have a chance of thunderstorms and a high of just 52 degrees. The northeast wind will be blowing at 16-18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Saturday night’s low will be 58, with continuing wind and a 90 percent chance of rain.

Sunday’s chance of rain is 80 percent, with more north northeast wind at 18 mph, gusting up to 29 mph. The high will be 66. Sunday night’s chance of rain is 60 percent, with a low of  58.

Rain lingers into Monday, with a 50 percent chance of showers and a high of 70. The rain should taper off Monday night, with a 30 percent chance of showers and a low of 53.

Tuesday looks mostly sunny with a high of 74 and a low of 52.

Wednesday will be sunnier and warmer, with a high of 75 and a low again of 52.

Expect mostly sunny skies Thursday, with a high of 75.