Charlotte woke to clear, cool skies Friday morning, around 57°F, but temperatures are set to rocket into the mid 80s this afternoon. Mostly sunny skies and a light west southwest breeze will keep things warm and dry today, before a frontal change late Saturday flips the pattern to something much wetter. If you have outdoor plans over the next 48 hours, now is the time to think through a backup plan.
Afternoon Heat, Friday Forecast
According to the National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg, Charlotte should see a high near 86°F Friday with west southwest winds around 3 to 8 mph and plenty of sunshine. Tonight is expected to be mostly clear with a low near 60°F, which will help keep humidity fairly comfortable into early Saturday.
Saturday Storms Most Likely
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to ramp up Saturday afternoon and evening, with coverage peaking after noon as the front moves through. Gusts could reach about 21 mph in some spots. The heaviest rain is likely Saturday night in the mountains, where around a quarter to a half inch is possible in places, and a few lingering showers may hang on into Sunday before drier air settles back in.
Air Quality Action Day
The North Carolina Division of Air Quality has issued a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for ground-level ozone in Mecklenburg and Cabarrus counties from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026. Older adults, children, and people with lung or heart conditions are urged to limit prolonged outdoor exertion this afternoon.
Legal Implications
State forestry officials in both North Carolina and South Carolina have put statewide burn bans or burning restrictions in place, which means yard-debris burning, prescribed burns, campfires, and other open flames are restricted in many unincorporated areas until further notice. Residents should stick to enclosed grills for outdoor cooking and check with local fire-marshal guidance before attempting any outdoor burn.
What To Bring
Pack water and sunscreen for any outdoor plans today, and whenever possible shift activities to the cooler morning hours. Have an indoor backup ready for Saturday afternoon, since brief heavy downpours could trigger localized flooding and slow down evening commutes.
Check the latest forecast and air quality reports before heading out. We will update this page if the alert or burn restrictions change.
