Lewis County remains under a Heat Advisory through 8 p.m. Friday, September 4, while the newest forecast points to a wet start and a drier finish for the Labor Day weekend.
The National Weather Service Charleston office issued the current replacement advisory at 10:51 a.m. September 3. It says heat-index values may reach 104 across the broader multi-state advisory area, with Lewis County explicitly included.
Hot temperatures and high humidity can cause heat illnesses, particularly for people working outdoors, older adults, young children and anyone without reliable access to air conditioning.
Weston's Thursday forecast calls for a high near 92 and a heat index as high as 98, with a 20% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Friday is expected to reach about 89, with the storm chance rising to 60% during the day and 70% Friday night.
Saturday now carries a 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms, a high near 82 and possible rainfall between one-quarter and one-half inch. Sunday is forecast to turn mostly sunny with a high near 81. WDTV's regional outlook similarly expects showers and storms to linger into Saturday before conditions trend drier.
No separate severe-weather alert was active for Lewis County when the forecast was checked Thursday morning. Residents should still monitor the forecast because thunderstorms can change quickly.
For the heat, residents should drink plenty of fluids, spend time in air conditioning, avoid unnecessary direct sun and check on relatives and neighbors. Outdoor workers and event crews should schedule cooling breaks and watch for signs of heat illness.
The changing forecast matters for the Jackson's Mill Jubilee and the Jane Lew Fireman's Arts, Crafts and Food Truck Festival, both scheduled September 4-6. Attendees should prepare for rain Friday and Saturday and check organizers' latest notices before traveling.
The homepage alert is tied to the Heat Advisory's official end time and will disappear automatically after 8 p.m. Friday unless NWS replaces, extends or cancels it sooner.
Check the active NWS Heat Advisory, the current Weston forecast and WDTV's regional outlook before making outdoor plans.
Update, September 3 at 6:31 a.m.: The newest weekend outlook adds a 70% chance of storms Saturday before a mostly sunny Sunday. The Heat Advisory remains in force through 8 p.m. Friday.
Source update, September 3 at 10:51 a.m.: NWS issued a replacement bulletin with a new alert identifier. Lewis County remains included, and the reported 104 maximum heat index and 8 p.m. Friday end time did not change.
Weekend forecast update, September 5 at 9:35 p.m.: The Heat Advisory has expired, and no weather alerts are active for Lewis County. The National Weather Service says a chance of showers remains before 1 a.m. Sunday, with less than one-tenth inch of additional rain expected. Sunday should be mostly sunny with a high near 80, followed by a mostly clear night near 57. Labor Day is forecast sunny with a high near 82.
WDTV's Saturday evening regional outlook also expects the cold front to clear the area overnight, allowing drier and less humid air to settle in Sunday. The station expects sunshine to continue through Labor Day and Tuesday before another front may return rain chances Wednesday night or Thursday.
Visitors heading to the final day of the Jackson's Mill Jubilee or Jane Lew Fireman's Festival should still account for damp grounds from Saturday's rain, but the daytime forecast is dry. Check the current Weston forecast before traveling.