Charlotte woke up on the crisp side Thursday, May 14, with clear skies and temperatures hovering near 55°F at Charlotte Douglas International. That cool start will not last long. By this afternoon, the high is expected to climb to around 74°F as north-northwest winds increase to about 8–12 mph with occasional gusts near 20 mph. Skies stay clear tonight into Friday, May 15, with the low dipping to roughly 49°F before a fast warm-up kicks in heading toward the weekend.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Those north-northwest gusts will be most noticeable from late morning through midafternoon on Thursday, May 14, and could easily rattle umbrellas and lightweight patio furniture. Cyclists and drivers of high-profile vehicles should be ready for sudden gusts during the peak heating hours and would be wise to secure loose outdoor items before the midday commute.
Weekend Warm Up
The temperature trend turns sharply upward as we move into the weekend. Friday, May 15, should top out near 78°F, Saturday, May 16, around 86°F, and Sunday, May 17, is likely to reach close to 90°F. Monday, May 18, is expected to follow in the low 90s. The region should stay mostly dry through the weekend, with a chance of showers and isolated storms returning by Tuesday and Wednesday, May 19–20. Any rain coverage over the weekend itself is expected to be limited, according to the National Weather Service Greenville‑Spartanburg.
Outlook For Outdoor Plans
With highs pushing into the upper 80s and low 90s on Sunday and Monday (May 17–18), outdoor time will come with a side of heat. Plan for hot afternoons: bring water, shift strenuous yard work to the mornings or evenings, and do not skip the sunscreen. Local officials and nonprofits have opened cooling locations during past heat waves; for current details on cooling options and transit help, see reporting from WFAE.
