Today started off calm in Charlotte, with a mild, partly cloudy morning in the mid-60s (about 66°F). The quiet early hours are giving way to a hot, sunny stretch near 89°F this afternoon, before a gustier and wetter pattern muscles in later this week.
Afternoon Heat With A Light Breeze
Plenty of sunshine is on tap this afternoon, with a high near 89°F and a light west-southwest breeze at 2 to 9 mph. Tonight stays mostly clear as temperatures slip to around 72°F. Southwest winds will pick up a bit, running 9 to 14 mph with gusts up to about 23 mph.
Thursday, June 18 Into Friday, June 19: Gusty Showers Possible
The big shift arrives from Thursday, June 18, into Friday, June 19, as the remnants of a tropical low funnel in more moisture and stronger southwest winds. The forecast calls for a high near 91°F Thursday, with southwest winds of 15 to 21 mph and gusts possibly in the mid-30s. Showers and thunderstorms could pop after 4 p.m. Thursday and become more widespread Thursday night, with locally heavy rain and damaging gusts that cannot be ruled out, according to the National Weather Service.
Juneteenth Plans May See Showers
On Friday, June 19, many Juneteenth parades and festivals are planned across Charlotte, and those heading out should be ready for morning rain and scattered storms that may linger through the afternoon. Local listings show multiple family-friendly events that could be affected, so checking event pages and having a dry backup plan is a smart move, according to the Charlotte Observer.
What To Do Before You Head Out
Secure tents and outdoor furniture so they do not go airborne in a sudden gust, and keep umbrellas close by. If heavy rain hits, drive cautiously, watch for quick wind bursts that can topple unsecured items, and build in extra travel time to get to events or work.
Weekend Outlook
A front should usher in drier conditions on Saturday, June 20, with highs near 88°F and mostly sunny skies. Sunday looks warm and mostly dry, with highs near 91°F.
