Charlotte wakes up to clear skies and crisp air on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, with temperatures starting near 48°F and a forecast high close to 73°F this afternoon. Expect sunshine and light breezes through the workday, making it a good day to run errands or spend a little extra time outside.
Fire Weather Through Friday
Afternoons will stay dry, with relative humidity expected to drop into the 20 to 30 percent range and possibly fall below 25 percent on Wednesday. That kind of dry air lets even small sparks spread faster than usual. With warm afternoons and dry fuels, officials are asking residents to hold off on backyard debris burns and any other open fires. The statewide ban on open burning that started March 28 is still in effect, canceling permits and authorizing enforcement, according to the N.C. Department of Agriculture.
Today And Midweek
Today stays sunny with light east winds around 5 mph and a comfortable afternoon high near 73°F, followed by overnight lows close to 50°F. From Wednesday through Friday, temperatures jump into the mid 80s, with southwest winds that could gust up to about 20 mph. Wednesday looks like the warmest and breeziest of the stretch. Those dry, breezy afternoons will keep fire weather concerns elevated through the end of the workweek, according to the National Weather Service.
Weekend Outlook
A cold front moves in on Saturday, bringing a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms and setting up a cooler Sunday with highs around 78°F. Most of the Charlotte area is expected to see light rainfall, generally under half an inch, while nearby mountain areas could pick up higher totals.
How To Prepare
If you are planning to be outside, skip any open burning for now and keep grills or patio fire features attended at all times. If you see smoke or a fire starting to get out of control, call 911 and give a clear description of the location so crews can get there quickly.
