Sunday started calm and cool in Charlotte, with mostly clear skies and 46°F at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. That quiet stretch will not last long. A steady, soaking rain is set to roll in during the mid-morning commute and hang around for much of the day, bringing slick roads, pockets of reduced visibility in heavier bands, and slower-than-normal travel across the metro.
Rain is expected to arrive between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m., then turn more persistent with periods of heavier downpours and patchy fog. Forecast highs will hover near 51°F, and most of the city is in line for roughly three-quarters of an inch to one inch of new rainfall, with locally higher totals possible along the I-77 corridor and into the Blue Ridge foothills. Winds should stay light and easterly at 2 to 6 mph during the day before shifting tonight, according to the National Weather Service.
Morning Commute and Flights
Drivers on I-77, I-85 and inner-city streets should plan on a slower-than-usual mid-morning, as heavier rain bands move through and standing water builds on the roads. Spray from other vehicles can stretch braking distances, so this is a good morning to ease off the gas and leave extra space.
At the airports, visibility and cloud ceilings could drop quickly during the most intense rain, which may mean delays for some flights. Build in extra time if you are heading to the terminal and check with your airline before you leave home. For context on how this system was expected to evolve, see our earlier Friday forecast.
Tonight and Into Next Week
Rain should gradually taper late Sunday night into early Monday as a front pushes east, with overnight lows near 42°F. North-northeast winds will pick up to around 6 to 9 mph, with gusts near 18 mph.
A quick clearing trend is expected tomorrow, followed by a sharp warm-up later in the week. Highs are forecast to climb into the 60s tomorrow and could reach the low to mid 70s by Thursday and Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
How To Prepare
Plan on a wet start to the day. Grab a rain jacket and give yourself extra time for the morning drive. Take it slow through standing water, and keep your headlights on in heavy rain to help other drivers see you.
If you have outdoor plans, consider shifting them to later in the day when the rain may ease up, and keep an eye on updates in case any heavier bands redevelop over the area.
