Severe-storm watch
Volatile atmosphere, strong front, fireworks likely.
For the last few days the moisture-laden atmosphere has been about as invigorating as a low-grade illness.
That moisture evidently is about to take another, potentially dangerous form.
The National Weather Service in Mount Holly has posted a severe-thunderstorm watch for the entire region through 8 p.m. tonight.
The government's Storm Prediction Center, in Norman, Okla., has placed the region in the "slight risk" zone for severe weather.
The criteria for "severe" storms are 40 m.p.h. sustained winds and/or 58 m.p.h. gusts, and/or hail 1-inch in diameter.
The front plowing through will interact with a volatile air mass, juiced with moisture and energy.
The flash-flood watch remains in effect, with up to 3 inches of rain possible by late Tuesday night.
Then a welcome invasion of Canadian air is due Wednesday, with no sustained heat in the long-range outlooks.