Jim’s First Alert Forecast: Isolated showers Thursday; Storm staying offshore

Forecast Discussion: A low-pressure area is forming about 200 miles off the North Carolina coast. The National Hurricane Center gives the system a 70 percent chance of developing into a tropical depression as it passes by off our coast through Friday. With this system within a few hundred miles, our totally dry days everywhere are over for a while. Only spotty showers are expected through Friday with the Outer Banks having the highest chance and highest totals. Inland areas will see a 30% Thursday and 40% Friday.

The primary impact from the coastal low-pressure system will be increased rip current threats through the end of this week. The weekend looks rather pleasant with normal highs in the 80s and little to no rain.

Thursday

Warm and muggy with isolated showers. High of 86°. Wind: NE 7-12. Rain chance: 30%.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with a few stray showers. High of 83°. Wind: N 5-10. Rain chance: 40%

Saturday

Partly cloudy skies with highs near 83°. Wind: N 4-8. Rain chance: 20%