A powerful storm system will bring the threat of severe thunderstorms, gusty winds and a sharp drop in temperatures that could lead to a freeze by Tuesday.
Forecast models indicate that initial bands of rain will arrive on Sunday, with the strongest thunderstorms to impact the state on Monday.
Enough instability is expected present that any severe thunderstorms that develop could produce hail, damaging wind gusts and even an isolated tornado.
The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted the eastern two-thirds of the state as being at an increased risk of severe weather. Much of the region is under what is classified as a Level 3 out of 5 risk on the agency’s severe storm scale.
Typically, when an area is under an elevated risk, either a Severe Thunderstorm Watch or a Tornado Watch may be issued in the hours before storms move through the region.
When severe weather has been observed or is imminent, local National Weather Service offices will issue a warning, indicating that residents should take immediate action to protect life and property.
The most likely time frame for severe weather alerts to be issued appears to be Monday, roughly between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., as storms move from the west and southwest toward the east and northeast.
In addition to the threat of storms, gusty winds are expected to develop outside of the rainfall. Wind gusts could exceed 40 mph at times, even in areas that do not experience a thunderstorm.
These strong winds could lead to a few downed trees or tree limbs and possibly scattered power outages, regardless of whether a thunderstorm directly impacts a particular region.
After the storm system moves away, the weather pattern will shift dramatically as a surge of Arctic air overtakes the eastern United States.
Temperatures are forecast to drop quickly Monday night as colder air pours southward through the state.
Many communities are expected to wake up on Tuesday morning with temperatures in the 30s. with the possibility of a freeze for neighborhoods west and north of Interstate 95.
Low temperatures are expected to be even colder on Wednesday morning - communities across the Upstate could dip as low as the mid-20s, while cities along the coast could see lows in the lower to mid-30s.
With the unseasonably cold air, it will be important for homeowners and gardeners to take steps to protect newer vegetation and sensitive plants.
Covering plants with blankets, sheets or towels can help trap warmer air near the ground and shield them from frosty conditions.
For potted plants, moving them closer to the house or bringing them indoors, if possible, can provide additional protection from the cold.
Taking these simple steps on Monday evening and again Tuesday evening can significantly reduce the risk of frost damage to tender plants during the cold snap.
Temperatures are expected to rebound toward the end of the workweek as an area of high pressure shifts eastward, allowing milder air to gradually return to the region.