Beautiful weather through the weekend and beyond! We may not see a drop of rain for the rest of the month.

A powerful low-pressure system off the east coast has acquired enough tropical characteristics to be named Subtropical Storm Josephine. Additional strengthening is likely, but it will transition back to a non-tropical system tomorrow, so even though it may produce hurricane-force winds, technically, it won't be a hurricane.

If the trends continue, this will become Subtropical Storm Josephine later today or tonight. Named or not, the impacts for the Outer Banks and northward will be the same: coastal flooding and large waves.

TROPICAL UPDATE 2:30 PM WEDNESDAY 10/21/2026 DISTURBANCE 1: A powerful non-tropical low a few hundred miles off the mid-Atlantic coast has developed some subtropical characteristics, with more organized thunderstorms and less distinct fronts near its center. It could become a subtropical storm tonight or early Thursday as it accelerates northeastward. By Friday, stronger upper-level winds and cooler waters should limit further development. Next name on the list is Josephine. DISTURBANCE 2: A trough of low pressure several hundred miles east-southeast of Bermuda is producing widespread, disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Some development is possible over the next day or two as it drifts north-northeastward. By the weekend, stronger upper-level winds are expected to shut down the opportunity for further development.

Fall perfection!

Great video of this morning’s “jellyfish” clouds over Myrtle Beach. See my previous post for an explanation!

So many of you sent me photos of these beautiful clouds at sunrise this morning! They appear to be cirrus clouds, likely around 20,000-30,000 feet high, where temperatures are near zero degrees! Those wispy streaks beneath them are falling snow crystals! The air below is so dry that the crystals disappear before reaching the ground-a phenomenon called virga. Technically, the snow sublimates, changing directly from ice into water vapor.

Wild to think we may not see any rain for the rest of the month.

Fall perfection continues!

Fall color frames the iconic Linn Cove Viaduct in this view from Rough Ridge. While the highest elevations have largely moved past peak, some of the most vibrant color in the High Country can now be found below 4,500 feet. Another gorgeous photo by Leslie Restivo - Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation.

My luck will run out at some point?

Rocket launch this morning was delayed and the trajectory southeast so this was as good as it got from Murrells Inlet this morning. Still cool!

SpaceX rocket launch was delayed until 7:04 am. No jellyfish with the sun coming up!

SpaceX scrubbed this morning's launch due to weather. They will try again Tuesday at 6:30 AM but, as I said yesterday, don’t expect a repeat of last week’s spectacular show. This rocket will head southeast from Florida, away from the Carolinas. Last week’s launch traveled northeast up the East Coast, giving us a much better view of that gorgeous glowing plume. We may catch a glimpse toward the south or southeast, but anything visible would likely stay very low near the horizon, with any illuminated plume much farther away. If you’re up, it’s worth a look. For me, I’m sleeping in.

Fall perfection rolls on! It's very possible we won't get any measurable rain for the rest of October!

With a very dry pattern in place, don't expect any measurable rain for at least another week!

Another SpaceX launch is scheduled for 6:30 AM Monday, but don’t expect a repeat of last week’s spectacular show. This rocket will head southeast from Florida, away from the Carolinas. Last week’s launch traveled northeast up the East Coast, giving us a much better view of that gorgeous glowing plume. We may catch a glimpse toward the south or southeast, but anything visible would likely stay very low near the horizon, with any illuminated plume much farther away. If you’re up, it’s worth a look. For me, I’m sleeping in. 🚀🚀🚀