Seventy-three today, which is the coolest high we've seen in more than a week. There's a slight rain chance between 11am and noon — 20 percent, just enough to keep an umbrella in the bag if you're out mid-morning — but after that the day goes partly sunny and stays there. East wind at 3 mph, barely a presence. Tonight drops to 61 under partly cloudy skies. Tomorrow brings clouds back and a 40 percent chance of showers after 8am, climbing to 70 percent by Friday night. Today is the window.
The Taubman Museum is open 10am to 5pm, and the galleries stay cool regardless of what's happening outside. The History Museum of Western Virginia runs the same hours — the Norfolk & Western exhibit on the third floor is worth the climb. Mill Mountain Theatre has a 7:30pm curtain tonight; check their site for the current production. Over on the main floor, A Few Old Goats Brewing opens at 4pm — Thursday usually brings a food truck to the courtyard, and the tap list rotates weekly. RND Coffee is five minutes west if you want a morning pour-over before the museums open.
The Roanoke River Greenway is the outdoor play this afternoon once the morning window closes. Partly sunny and 73 is about as comfortable as July gets here — no haze, no oppressive heat, just steady light and a breeze that won't push you around. The stretch from Wasena Park east toward downtown is shaded in sections, open in others. If you want elevation, Mill Mountain is an option, but the parkway road can be warm even on a cooler day; the greenway keeps you near the water and under the canopy.
Tomorrow's forecast is wetter — showers likely after 8am, then rain moving in Friday night with a 70 percent chance. If you've been putting off an outdoor errand or a longer walk, today is when you do it. Tonight stays dry, so dinner on a patio or a post-theater drink outside still works. The weather turns more cautious tomorrow, but today holds.
At the flats, the courtyard catches the afternoon light without the glare we've had all week. The patio stays open through evening — 61 tonight means you might want a layer after 9pm, but it's comfortable enough to sit outside with a beer from the main floor. A Few Old Goats taps a new saison this week; ask what's pouring. Tomorrow brings rain, but today gives you room to move.