Shenandoah Valley weather: Warm, windy Tuesday ahead of midweek rain arrival

Residents in the Shenandoah Valley should be cautious as gusty south-southwest winds (10-20 mph), low humidity, and dry brush have created a significant wildfire threat. The weather today will be very warm and breezy with a high of 81°F under partly sunny skies.

A storm system moving from the Great Lakes will bring light showers late tonight, followed by afternoon thunderstorms on Wednesday. 

Meanwhile, temperatures will remain mild into Wednesday before a cold front drops temperatures starting Thursday. 

The most significant rainfall is expected Wednesday night and into Thursday night, with computer models predicting totals between a half inch and over an inch.

After reaching 73°F on Wednesday, a cold front will move through the region, dropping Thursday’s high to 59°F with periods of rain. Wednesday night will remain cloudy with rain arriving overnight at a low of 56°F and light west-northwest winds. 

While Thursday brings cooler temperature and rain, skies will begin clearing by Thursday night as the low drops to 44°F. Friday will feature partial sunshine followed by partly cloudy night with a low of 42°F. For the weekend, Saturday will be breezy with mostly cloudy skies and a high of 65°F. 

The rain is expected to taper off by Thursday night, leading to a cooler but clearer Friday and Saturday with highs in the mid-60s.