Charlotte rolled into Wednesday under clear, muggy skies, with early temperatures hovering around 61°F and a light south-southwest breeze. Skies will turn mostly sunny, and the city is on track to heat up quickly into the mid-80s this afternoon. That warm, humid air will help fuel a few late-afternoon showers or brief thunderstorms as the atmosphere destabilizes into the evening.
Afternoon Heat And Scattered Storms
Expect a high near 85°F with mostly sunny skies, a southwest wind of 6 to 9 mph and gusts up to about 18 mph. There is a slight chance of showers or an isolated thunderstorm between about 4 and 5 p.m., but coverage should stay limited at roughly 20 percent. According to the National Weather Service, clouds will thin out after sunset and lows will return to the low 60s overnight.
Drive-Time Impact
If you are commuting or heading out late this afternoon, keep an umbrella handy and plan for a little extra time. Any brief downpours could cut visibility and leave slick pavement for 15 to 30 minutes. The greatest coverage of storms is expected over the nearby foothills and mountains, so central Charlotte is more likely to see only quick showers or stay dry entirely. Winds are not expected to be strong enough for widespread damage, although unsecured patio furniture could get nudged around by gusts.
Weekend Outlook And Rain Chances
Thursday should stay mostly sunny with a high near 82°F, and Friday brings a better chance of scattered showers with a high around 81°F. A cold front late Saturday into Sunday could increase the odds for more widespread rain and thunderstorms, and forecasters note a modest signal for heavier totals Saturday night into Sunday, with a small chance that some locations could see an inch or more. For details, see the office’s forecast discussion from the National Weather Service.
What You Should Keep In Mind
Plan outdoor activities for the morning and early afternoon if possible, since the best window for dry, sunny weather is before the late-afternoon heating peak. Keep an eye on radar if you are headed to outdoor events later in the day, and secure loose outdoor items if gusts pick up. Updates will follow if the forecast shifts toward a higher threat for heavier rain or storms later this weekend.
