Rowan weather: Wind advisory, then freeze watch

Published 8:08 am Friday, April 7, 2017

It’s been a busy weather week, with advisories, watches, warnings, and it’s going to stay that way at least through Saturday morning.

We remain under a wind advisory until 8 tonight, with west northwest wind at 13-20 mph, gusting to 34 mph.

Some gusts will approach 45 mph, while in some areas gusts of 60 mph are possible. This will lead to downed trees and power lines.

Along with the wind, we have an increased fire danger. And coming up Saturday is a freeze watch.

The combination of the strong winds and low humidity will lead to increased danger of spreading fires. Check with authorities before burning anything outdoors. The wind can pick up embers and carry the fire to large areas.

Temperatures will be at or below freezing late tonight and early Saturday, prompting the freeze watch.

So, today will be mostly sunny and cool, with a high of 56, which will seem cooler because of the wind. Tonight’s low will be 33, with calmer winds of 5-9 mph.

Saturday will start with patchy frost, but will warm to 65 with sunny skies. Winds will become northwest at 5-7 mph. Saturday night will be mostly clear and cold again, with a low of 36. Areas in the county will see slightly lower temperatures; a freeze watch may be issued.

Sunday will be sunny and warm, with a high of 72. Calm wind will become south southwest at 5-8 mph in the afternoon. The low will be 48.

Monday will be sunny and summery, with a high of 79 and a low of 52.

We’ll hit 81 for Tuesday with mostly sunny skies. The low will be 55.

Wednesday brings a 30 percent chance of showers. It will be partly sunny with a high of 78. The low will be 50, with partly cloudy skies.

Thursday will be mostly sunny and 72.