There is a marginal risk for severe storms this evening into Saturday across the state. Hot and humid conditions in the late afternoon and evening will destabilize the atmosphere and scattered thunderstorms are expected to continue tonight into early Saturday morning. A few of these storms could be strong to severe, especially in the early evening hours.
The severe threat is low, but a few isolated storms could pulse up in intensity and deliver wind gusts to around 60 miles per hour. Storms will also be capable of very heavy rain, with some rain rates of 2 inches per hour or greater possible. Some local flash flooding will be possible, especially in areas that experience more than one round of heavy rain.
Storms are expected to fade away early Saturday morning. However, additional thunderstorms will be possible over the weekend, with daytime heating potentially igniting storms in the afternoon and evening. Temperatures will remain above average through the Memorial Day weekend. The combination of temperatures in the 90s and high humidity will push heat index values close to 100 degrees in the Lowcountry Sunday.
By Memorial Day, a cold front is expected to arrive and sweep through the Southeast. As the front moves across the state Monday into Tuesday, more strong to severe thunderstorms will be possible. Behind the front, high temperatures will drop from the 90s back into the 80s.