Forecast Last Updated at Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at 5:51PM

Fabulous October

We could not ask for finer weather in October. High temperatures are running 6-8 degrees above seasonal averages. Dry weather rules through at least the daytime Thursday. A front is stalled to our northwest. As it edges closer, clouds increase Thursday. We have an ever-so-slight chance of a shower beginning Thursday night. Our best chance for a shower is during the daytime Saturday, but even that is unimpressive.

Ray Russell's 2020-2021 Winter Fearless Forecast is now available. The bottom line for the forecast is: 1) less than average snow and 2) slightly warmer than average temperatures. We will have a few significant snow events but prolonged cold periods will be difficult to sustain. Get all the details here. The Fearless Forecast is sponsored by Peak Insurance Group.

The 2021 Blue Ridge Calendar will be available in stores this week.  Visit RaysMarketPlace.com for a complete listing of retailers or purchase online.  A portion of the proceeds goes to support the important work of the Blue Ridge Conservancy.

Tuesday Hi: 72 Lo: 48 A few clouds; Patchy fog possible; Light SE wind

Wednesday Hi: 70 Lo: 49 Early patchy fog, then scattered clouds; Still nice; Fog possible again Wed. night; Light SE wind

Thursday Hi: 68 Lo: 50 Early patchy fog, then partly to mostly cloudy; Continued pleasant temperatures; Cannot rule out a stray, light shower with fog Thur night; Light SE wind

Friday Hi: 67 Lo: 52 Early fog, then partly to mostly cloudy; A stray, light shower possible

Saturday Hi: 68 Lo: 52 Mostly cloudy; Scattered showers

Further Out

Sunday - Mostly cloudy; Cannot rule out a stray shower; High in the upper 60s; Low in the lower 50s
Monday - Mostly to partly cloudy; Slightest chance of a light shower; High in the upper 60s; Low in the lower 50s

Forecast Discussion

High pressure is centered over us producing impeccable weather. Enjoy clear skies and temperatures well above seasonal averages.

A front is stalled to our northwest. It will struggle to move southeast, blocked by high pressure in the Eastern U. S. However, as high pressure slides east into the Atlantic, a more moist southerly flow develops adding clouds by late Thursday. A stray, light shower will be possible Thursday night through Monday. The greatest chance for a few showers will be Saturday as the front may move through in a greatly weakened form. Increased clouds will keep high temperatures a couple degrees less warm beginning Friday.

Tropical Storm Epsilon formed in the Atlantic Monday. Epsilon will strengthen into a hurricane during the next three days and clip Bermuda Friday with tropical storm force winds. Epsilon is the 26th named storm of the season. That's one shy of the record number of storms set in 2005. We will see a pause in tropical development in the coming days, but hurricane season does not end until November 30. So, expect 2020 to tie or surpass 2005 in the number of storms. It should be noted however... 2005 produced epic Atlantic hurricanes (Rita, Wilma and Katrina). While this year may break the record for number of storms, 2005 will greatly surpass 2020 in damage caused by tropical systems.

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