Charlotte woke up sticky on Saturday, July 11, under partly cloudy skies and a muggy 73°F at Charlotte–Douglas International Airport. The heat cranks up this afternoon, with a high near 92°F and a heat index that could feel closer to 101°F in the hottest spots. There is a slight chance of a brief shower late in the morning, with better odds for showers and thunderstorms later this afternoon and into the evening. West winds stay on the lighter side around 5 to 9 mph, with occasional gusts up to about 18 mph.
Afternoon Storms Could Snarl The Commute
Any storms that pop this afternoon should be hit or miss, but the ones that do form can pack heavy downpours and gusty winds that cut visibility and slow traffic on surface streets and highways. If you have outdoor plans, make sure you have a quick place to duck inside, and build in extra time for the evening commute, especially from mid afternoon through early evening. For the latest timing and hour-by-hour details, check the National Weather Service point forecast and local radar.
Sunday Night Into Monday: Heavier Rains On Deck
Coverage of showers and thunderstorms should ramp up Sunday into Sunday night as rounds of storms move through. Some neighborhoods could pick up about a half inch to three quarters of an inch of rain in a short burst. The pattern carries a low chance for isolated severe wind gusts and localized flash flooding, especially where storms stall or repeatedly track over the same area. This wetter setup was outlined in a recent look at Charlotte's swampy week of pop-up storms, and forecasters are still watching the potential for repeated rounds of heavy rain through Monday.
What To Bring And When To Be Careful
Rain gear is a smart grab-and-go item today, and it is worth having a backup plan for any outdoor gatherings this afternoon or tonight. Flash flooding can cause rapid ponding on roads, so never try to drive through standing water. Stay hydrated during the hottest part of the day, check on neighbors who may not have air conditioning, and keep your phone charged so you can receive any urgent weather alerts. If you need minute-by-minute timing before heading out, pull up local radar along with the National Weather Service point forecast.
After Monday's rounds of storms bring a brief cooldown, highs near 80°F are possible on Monday. More typical summer heat likely returns later next week, with mid 90s possible by Thursday. Keep an eye on updated forecasts through the weekend in case the timing or intensity of storms shifts.
