Wednesday morning in Charlotte starts off partly cloudy and about 55°F at Charlotte Douglas International, with a south-southwest breeze already on the move. Highs should top out near 68°F this afternoon, a few degrees above normal, and the rest of the day looks blustery as winds continue to ramp up.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Southwest winds are expected to gust to 25 to 30 mph this afternoon, with the strongest bursts likely in the mid-afternoon hours before easing after sunset. That means a breezy commute and a good chance your patio furniture or umbrella may try to relocate on its own, and drivers of high-profile vehicles should use extra caution on exposed stretches of road. According to the National Weather Service, gusts as high as 30 mph are possible today.
Warm Stretch Through Friday
Temperatures stay well above average through Friday, climbing into the low 70s on Thursday and pushing into the upper 70s on Friday, a springlike run for mid February. That heat spike could nudge readings toward record territory on Friday and will make afternoons feel unusually warm for this time of year. For more on the pattern setting this up, see how Charlotte will bask in sun before a weekend soaker moves in.
Weekend Rain Then A Chill
Rain chances increase late Friday into the weekend, with the best odds for steady showers Saturday night into Sunday. A few embedded thunderstorms are possible ahead of the main batch of rain. A cold front will trail the weekend system and pull in much cooler air, with lows potentially dropping near freezing Sunday night into Monday across parts of the Piedmont. Forecasters at the National Weather Service note that the exact timing of the front will determine thunder chances and how much rain ultimately falls.
Plan Ahead
Secure loose outdoor furniture and umbrellas before the winds really get going, and keep an umbrella within reach if you have plans late Friday or over the weekend. Check local forecasts and transit updates before traveling, and we will update this page if any watches or advisories are issued.
