Charlotte woke up to clear, muggy skies and mid-70s temperatures Friday morning, and things only go uphill from there. Afternoon highs are expected to climb into the upper 90s, topping out near 98°F, with the heat index potentially reaching 104 to 105°F. A Heat Advisory is in effect for Mecklenburg County from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, June 12, and officials are urging residents to dial back outdoor exertion during the hottest part of the day.
Afternoon Heat And Timing
According to the National Weather Service, the combination of heat and humidity will make the late afternoon particularly rough across the Piedmont. West-southwest winds will be a light 2 to 8 mph, which means you should not count on much of a breeze for relief. Most of the warming will happen between about 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., with the worst of it likely from roughly 2 to 5 p.m.
The Heat Advisory covers Mecklenburg, Cabarrus and Union counties and stresses the need for frequent hydration and breaks in air conditioning for anyone who has to be outside for long stretches.
Evening Storm Chance
A weak front could shake things up a bit late Friday evening with a few showers or thunderstorms mainly between about 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. The rain chance sits at roughly 30%. Any storms that do pop up could bring brief heavy downpours and gusty winds, but rainfall totals should stay on the lighter side at around a tenth to a quarter of an inch where it does fall.
If you have outdoor plans Friday night, it is a good idea to keep a light rain jacket handy and check radar updates so you are not caught off guard.
Weekend Outlook
Saturday eases up only slightly, with a high near 94°F and mostly sunny skies. Sunday cranks the thermostat back up to around 96°F, along with a chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms after about 2 p.m. The stronger storms could kick up gusts of roughly 20 to 25 mph.
Early next week, temperatures trend down into the upper 80s as a weak frontal zone moves through, offering at least a modest break from the steamiest conditions.
Cooling Centers And Resources
Mecklenburg County and partner agencies are opening cooling stations, and many library branches and recreation centers are available as relief spots. Nearby options include Double Oaks Family Aquatic Center at 2014 Statesville Ave and Eastway Regional Recreation Center at 3150 Eastway Park Drive. For a fuller list of cooling locations and details on free transit options, visit Charlotte On The Cheap.
If you or someone you know does not have air conditioning, consider spending the hottest hours of the advisory at one of these locations.
Beat The Heat
Stay ahead of the heat by drinking plenty of water throughout the day and avoiding strenuous activity between about 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Check in on older neighbors, young children and anyone who might be more vulnerable in this kind of weather.
Never leave people or pets in parked cars, even for a short time, and try to shift outdoor events to the morning or evening when it is less oppressive. If you work outside, take frequent breaks in the shade, drink water regularly and follow your employer’s heat safety guidance.
