Charlotte is starting the day mild and cloudy in the low 60s, but the pause in the heat will not last long. By mid to late afternoon, temperatures are expected to surge to around 90°F. Light northwest breezes this morning will shift to a west-southwest flow by later in the day, and humidity will drop into the 20 to 30 percent range in parts of the region. That combo of heat and dry air has officials nervous about fast-moving outdoor fires.
Afternoon Heat And Fire Risk
Friday's forecast calls for plenty of sun and a high near 90°F, with relative humidity sliding toward or below 30 percent in the afternoon. The N.C. Forest Service says the statewide open-burning ban that began March 28 is still in effect, and any previously issued burn permits are canceled. Even without strong, gusty winds, dry vegetation and low humidity mean one careless spark could turn into a fast-moving fire, so crews are urging residents to skip the backyard burn piles for now.
Weekend Outlook
The heat cranks up even more on Saturday, with highs near 92°F likely east of the mountains. South-southwest winds will pick up at times, with gusts near 20 to 25 mph and a few higher gusts possible in spots. A cold front moves through late Saturday into Sunday, bringing a chance of showers mainly across the higher terrain and knocking Sunday afternoon highs back to around a much cooler 73°F. For more precise timing and hour-by-hour details, check the National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg.
Legal Implications
Because the statewide ban has wiped out all previously issued burn permits, going ahead with open burning can put you on the wrong side of state regulations and could carry enforcement consequences, the N.C. Forest Service warns. If you spot smoke or an out-of-control fire, call 911 and give a clear, specific location so firefighters can move in quickly.
