Charlotte is waking up in the mid-60s and heading for a sharp warmup into the upper 80s under mostly sunny skies. The official forecast calls for a high near 89°F this afternoon with a southwest breeze that will pick up later in the day. That combo of heat, low humidity and gusty wind will make the afternoon feel noticeably dry.
Afternoon Fire Danger
Forecasters expect afternoon relative humidity to dip into the 25–30% range while southwest winds increase to 10–15 mph, with higher gusts possible. According to NWS Greenville-Spartanburg, that recipe has triggered Special Weather Statements and an "increased fire danger" for parts of the forecast area. With vegetation already dried out from persistent drought, officials warn that even small fires can spread quickly, so residents are urged to skip burning debris and not walk away from any yardwork that involves sparks or flames.
What This Means For Outdoor Plans
North Carolina is still under a statewide ban on open burning that began March 28, which means backyard debris burns and campfires are off the table. The N.C. Department of Agriculture says the ban remains in effect, existing permits have been canceled, and authorities are issuing citations for illegal burns. Gas grills and small, attended propane stoves are generally not considered open burning, but officials recommend checking with your county fire marshal before planning any outdoor cooking.
Rest Of The Week
The heat sticks around through Saturday with highs near 90–92°F and similarly low afternoon humidity. Thursday looks to be the gustiest day, with winds potentially gusting as high as 23 mph. A cold front could slide through on Sunday, bringing a chance of showers and a cooler Monday with highs near 69°F. Any rain that does fall is not expected to be enough to erase the ongoing drought conditions.
Legal Implications
Under the statewide burn ban, open burning is illegal and can lead to fines or other enforcement actions if a fire is started. Landowners who ignite fires that escape may be held liable for suppression costs. If you spot an out-of-control fire, call 911 immediately and provide as precise a location as possible.
