The National Weather Service in Charlotte, N.C., is forecasting a mostly sunny and warm day ahead with temperatures expected to climb to a high near 74°F. Winds will remain relatively tame, coming from the northeast at around 6 mph. As we move into the evening, the skies will turn to partly cloudy with mild east southeast winds of 5 to 7 mph and temperatures dipping to a low around 53°F. According to the latest update by the NWS, residents should enjoy the mild conditions while they last.
Looking ahead to the weekend, the NWS expects a shift in the weather pattern. The forecast for Saturday predicts a mostly cloudy sky with a high nearing 78°F, accompanied by a south wind blowing between 6 to 13 mph, and gusts potentially reaching 24 mph. Overnight showers are likely to begin after 3am as the low settles around 63°F. With winds strengthening, we can expect a south wind of 13 to 16 mph, featuring gusts up to 29 mph, and a 60 percent chance of precipitation.
Conditions are predicted to escalate by Sunday, with showers and possible thunderstorms after 11am. The day will see a high near 74°F, while significant wind speeds continue, ranging from 15 to 18 mph with gusts as strong as 34 mph. The chance of precipitation for Sunday is pegged at 100%. For those with evening plans, the chance of showers drops to 40 percent before midnight, as the skies begin to clear, and temperatures fall to a cooler low around 45°F.
Starting the new week on a brighter note, Monday is foreseen to be sunny with more comfortable highs near 63°F. Further into the week, Tuesday through Thursday, the region can expect a continuance of sunny to mostly sunny conditions, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the high 70s. Overnight lows will be less variable, hovering in the 50s.
As we transition through these diverse conditions, the NWS, has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for the broader region, including northeast Georgia, and the western Carolinas. "A powerful storm system will impact the region Saturday evening into Sunday bringing heavy rain and severe storms," the outlook states. Among the primary concerns raised are damaging wind gusts, potential tornadoes, and large hail, with the possibility of a strong tornado not being ruled out.
In addition to the storm threats, the outlook also advises of the likelihood of gusty non-thunderstorm winds developing on Saturday, which may persist into Sunday. Gusts could range from 35-50 mph in the North Carolina mountains and 25-35 mph in other affected areas. While hazardous weather is not expected for today and tonight, residents should remain alert as the weather shifts over the coming days.
