Waves of a smoky haze remind us that wildfires are burning locally.
Some wildfires have grown overnight while the Pineland Road fire near Needmore, GA in Chinch County, more than doubled in size, from 7000 to 16000 acres in 24 hours. The County Manager for Brantley County reports that 42 structures have burned due to the Highway 82 fire. That wildfire grew from 700 acres to 3800 acres overnight.
Aside from a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms this weekend, the forecast continues a warming and drying trend through Saturday. Dry weather and moderating temperatures will continue, with elevated fire weather conditions due to low humidity and wind.
Near record highs are expected this weekend as the dry pattern persists with an Exceptional and Extreme Drought area-wide. Models continue to hint at a slight chance of sea-breeze showers late Saturday evening and Sunday.
Tonight: Mostly clear with light to calm wind. Smoke could reduce visibility near ongoing fires.
Thursday: Smoke could cause visibility issues overnight and early Thursday. A smoky haze at times as the wind shifts through the day. Becoming partly cloudy and warm. Morning lows in the 50s inland, 60s along the beaches. Afternoon highs in the 80s inland, 70s along the beaches. Wind: SW/SE 5-10 mph.
Friday - Saturday: The warming trend continues, with near-record highs. Morning lows in the 50s inland, 60s along the beaches. Afternoon highs in the 80s inland, 70s along the beaches. Wind: S/SE 5-10 mph. Mostly clear with a smoky haze overnight.
Looking ahead: A slight chance of showers will develop along a weakening cold front late Saturday into Sunday. The expected onshore winds on Monday could also send a few showers toward the beaches early next week.
Sunrise: 6:52 a.m.
Sunset: 7:59 p.m.