Today starts out partly cloudy and on the cool side in Charlotte, with temperatures near 45°F at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (KCLT). Southwest winds will ramp up through the afternoon, sending the high toward 59°F and kicking up gusts that could reach 30 mph.
Rain Moves In Late, Peaks Thursday Morning
Rain is on track to arrive late Wednesday night, with showers likely after 9 p.m. and the main band pushing through next morning. Most spots are expected to pick up around a quarter to a half inch of rain by the end of the day Thursday, with lighter amounts possible overnight. The chance of flooding is currently low, according to NWS Greenville-Spartanburg.
Gusty Afternoon And Travel Headaches
Southwest winds of 14–17 mph this afternoon will likely send gusts as high as 30 mph across the area, making bridges and other exposed routes feel extra blustery and easily shoving around any unsecured patio furniture. Low clouds and incoming rain are expected to drop ceilings to MVFR or IFR at KCLT overnight into Thursday morning, so early flights could face delays. Riders should keep an eye on transit alerts, and the CATS Winter Weather Guide has details on detours and the CATS-Pass app.
Weekend Turns Mild And Sunny
Once this system pushes through, Saturday is forecast to be mostly sunny with a high near 66°F, and Sunday looks even warmer with afternoon readings near 72°F. Rain chances slip back to only a slight chance early next week.
What To Have Handy
A compact umbrella will be useful for Thursday’s commute, and budgeting an extra 10–15 minutes for wet roads is a smart play. It is also a good time to secure loose outdoor items before the gusty afternoon arrives. Updates will follow if the timing or intensity of the rain changes.
