Charlotte is waking up today under cloudy, unseasonably warm skies, with Charlotte Douglas reporting about 64°F and a southwest breeze. Temperatures are expected to surge into the low 80s this afternoon, flirting with record territory, while scattered showers or an isolated thunderstorm remain on the table for the late-afternoon and evening commute.
Afternoon Showers And Heat
Showers could pop up through mid-afternoon, with the best odds before about 5 p.m., then the atmosphere turns a bit livelier with a greater chance of scattered showers and a few thunderstorms into the evening. The high is forecast near 82°F, and the National Weather Service pegs the chance of precipitation around 40% and notes that the forecast could tie the daily high record at Charlotte Douglas (CLT). National Weather Service
Tonight And Wednesday
Tonight brings a lower-end chance of showers and isolated storms, followed by clearing skies and lows settling in the mid 60s. Wednesday, March 11, looks even warmer, with highs near 85°F and a steady southwest breeze. Gusts could reach about 25 to 30 mph across parts of the Piedmont.
Wednesday Night Into Thursday Flip
Late Wednesday night into early Thursday, March 12, a strong cold front will sweep through the region, bringing widespread rain with embedded thunder and a very low-end risk for a few strong storms. Gusty winds are likely as the front arrives, and behind it comes a sharp cooldown. Highs tumble into the mid 60s on Thursday, and drier air settles in by Friday. National Weather Service
Commute And Weekend Outlook
Drivers should be ready for pockets of heavy downpours in any thunderstorms, along with gusty winds that could slow the Wednesday evening commute. After a cooler, drier Thursday and Friday, the weekend starts off dry before another front approaches Sunday into Monday. For background on the broader setup, see this look at morning fog and summerlike heat.
