As of 5:40 a.m. today, Charlotte was waking up to clear skies and about 41°F at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, with a brisk north wind making it feel a bit cooler. Sunshine is set to dominate Presidents' Day, with an afternoon high near 60 and some early morning gusts. Streets are mostly drying out after Sunday's heavy rain, although low-lying and shaded spots could still be slick for the first commute of the day.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
According to the National Weather Service, Monday will bring northeast winds of 3 to 10 mph with gusts up to about 21 mph, so expect some blustery stretches through the morning before conditions ease later in the day. Gusts will stand out the most on exposed bridges and for cyclists, then taper off as high pressure settles in. A light jacket is a smart move for early travelers, since the wind will make temperatures feel cooler than the thermometer suggests.
Foggy Mornings, Sunny Afternoons
As reported in this Sunday soaker that slowed the Queen City commute, the city picked up a healthy dose of rain, leaving extra low-level moisture hanging around. That sets the stage for patchy fog in low-lying areas, especially along the I-77 corridor, before 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 17. Any fog that forms should thin out quickly and hand off to partly sunny, warmer afternoons.
Midweek Warm-Up and Rain Returning
Temperatures climb as the week rolls on, with highs near 64 on Tuesday, around 67 on Wednesday, and into the low 70s by Thursday and Friday. Rain chances begin to increase late Thursday into Friday and then through the weekend, although timing and coverage are still a bit uncertain. For outdoor plans, midweek and especially Wednesday looks like the best bet for dry, mild weather before showers move back into the picture.
