Early mornings remain the best time to beat the heat and dodge afternoon storms in Haywood County

Warm, humid afternoons will bring increasing chances for thunderstorms through Tuesday.

WAYNESVILLE, N.C. (SMOKIES.LIVE STORM CENTER) — Residents and visitors looking to enjoy the outdoors this week should consider getting an early start as a typical midsummer weather pattern settles over Western North Carolina.

Monday and Tuesday will begin relatively quiet before heat, humidity and afternoon thunderstorms become the main weather story. High temperatures are expected to reach the mid-80s both days, while increasing moisture will fuel scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms later in the day.

Patchy fog may linger early Monday morning before giving way to increasing sunshine and building clouds. By the afternoon, showers and thunderstorms are likely to develop, with the greatest chance after 2 p.m. Similar conditions are expected Tuesday, although much of the day should remain dry before storms become more likely after 5 p.m.

While not everyone will experience rain, any thunderstorm could produce frequent lightning, brief heavy downpours and gusty winds, making outdoor activities more hazardous later in the day.

Best times to plan outdoor activities:

• 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.: The coolest and most comfortable part of the day for hiking, walking, gardening and other outdoor plans.
• Late morning through early afternoon: Heat and humidity begin to build, so stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade.
• After 2 p.m. Monday: Showers and thunderstorms become likely across the area.
• After 5 p.m. Tuesday: Storm chances increase again, with scattered thunderstorms possible into the evening.
• If thunder roars, head indoors: Lightning can strike several miles away from a storm, even before rain begins.

Summer afternoons in the mountains often feature rapidly developing thunderstorms, so those heading into the Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains or local trails should monitor changing weather conditions and have a plan to seek shelter if storms approach.

For the most comfortable conditions and the lowest chance of rain, the early morning hours continue to offer the best opportunity to enjoy everything Haywood County has to offer before the day’s heat and thunderstorms arrive.