Charlotte woke up to clear skies and mild temperatures early Wednesday, May 6, with the thermometer sitting around 63°F at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. That calm start will not last. A cold front sliding into the region is set to ramp up the chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon, followed by a more widespread round of storms tonight.
Afternoon and Evening Thunderstorms
A slight chance of rain showers is possible between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 6, with another slight chance between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., and coverage increasing late afternoon into the evening. Highs should top out near 81°F, with south-southwest winds around 12 to 15 mph and gusts up to about 28 mph that could make outdoor plans messy, send lighter patio items skittering, and create brief travel discomfort.
Tonight's Downpours and Severe Threat
Showers and thunderstorms become likely overnight, with new rainfall amounts between three-quarters of an inch and 1 inch possible and patchy fog likely after midnight. According to the National Weather Service, isolated large hail and damaging straight-line winds are possible with the strongest storms, and brief urban flooding could occur if intense cells train over the same neighborhoods. Expect a low near 62°F with southwest winds easing to 6 to 13 mph and gusts up to about 24 mph.
Thursday And The Week Ahead
The front may linger into Thursday, keeping rain chances through much of the day, with showers likely before 3 p.m. and another half to three-quarters of an inch of rain possible and a high near 74°F. Thursday night should be noticeably cooler with lows around 51°F, and drier, mostly sunny conditions return Friday with highs near 71°F. Guidance hints at another uptick in rain chances Sunday into early next week, so outdoor plans later in the weekend should be watched.
Plan Ahead
If you have evening events, pick an indoor backup and allow extra time on the roads, since heavy downpours and gusty winds can cut visibility and slow traffic. Secure loose outdoor items and take care on bridges and exposed roadways during gusts. For the latest watches or warnings, check the National Weather Service and our recent forecast update on how Charlotte gets soaked by midweek.
