As Charlotte residents wake up to a day blanketed in fog and mist with humidity levels hanging heavy at 89%, the National Weather Service has issued a detailed forecast that begs for the unpacking of umbrellas and the retiring of suede shoes. According to the latest weather update, the city is currently experiencing a cool 44°F, with a chilly wind chill dropping that to an even cooler 39°F. Visibility is reduced to a modest four miles, so commuters should take extra care on their morning drive. The NWS Charlotte's last report came in at a brisk 6:52 am EST.
Today's weather should give way from cloudy skies to mostly sunny ones, with peak temperatures nudging just around 50 degrees and steady northeastern winds. It's tonight when the weather starts to shift gears; the clouds are rolling back in, with a low temp hovering at around 38 degrees, and gentler winds from the east, according to NWS Charlotte. But the moisture's making a comeback soon – Tuesday brings showers post-11am, and an 80% chance of rain is set to soak the city, so don't leave home without rain gear.
By Tuesday night, the forecast promises a 100% chance of rainfall, with up to three-quarters of an inch of precipitation expected, followed by consistent showers and highs in the mid-40s for Wednesday. The situation becomes increasingly damp as we head toward the end of the week, with showers persisting through to Thursday, though temperatures might rise to a somewhat more comfortable 64 degrees.
Come the weekend, there's a brief respite with partly cloudy skies and mild temperatures, but don't be fooled – showers are on the horizon again. Saturday's high pushes toward a cooler 54 degrees with an 80% chance of rain extending into a similarly wet Sunday. "Several rounds of rainfall are expected to impact the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia," warned the National Weather Service. They've also issued a heads up for probable nuisance flooding, especially in the mountainous regions and parts of Upstate South Carolina, due to the relentless downpours expected this week on top of already wet soils.
While today and tonight seem to be relatively free from concern, the many days ahead teeter on the edge of becoming a sopping tableau for the Carolinas with all this rain in the forecast. The NWS advisory echoes this sentiment perfectly, encouraging residents to keep an eye out for potential minor stream flooding and to stay tuned for further weather updates. Brace yourself, Charlotte – and keep those rain boots handy.
