Saturday, July 18, started off feeling more like a steam room than sunrise in Charlotte, with temperatures sitting near 79°F and dewpoints in the low-to-mid 70s. The rest of the day does not bring much relief: expect a hot afternoon with a high near 96°F, heat-index values up to 105°F, and a slight chance of showers or thunderstorms after about 2 p.m.
Afternoon Heat And Storm Threat
Skies stay mostly sunny through the morning, with just a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms developing after about 2 p.m. Forecasters are calling for a high near 96°F and heat-index readings as high as 105°F, along with southwest winds of 2 to 12 mph and gusts up to 20 mph.
A Heat Advisory is in effect for neighboring Union County from noon to 8 p.m., and a few storms Saturday and Sunday could pack damaging wind gusts. For the latest detailed forecast and advisory information, check the National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg.
Evening Rain And Sunday Night
Storm chances tick up tonight to about 40%, with most of the action expected before 1 a.m. Overnight lows will hover around 75°F, which will still feel sticky thanks to the high humidity.
Sunday offers only a slight step down on the heat scale, with a high near 94°F and heat-index values near 104°F. Afternoon storms are possible again. From Sunday night into early Monday, storm coverage increases, and some spots are likely to pick up around a quarter to a half inch of rain in heavier cells.
Where To Cool Off
Mecklenburg County is running daytime cooling locations and outreach for residents who do not have reliable air conditioning. Call 311 for the most up-to-date list. Charlotte Area Transit (CATS) has provided rides to designated cooling sites during heat events, and county-run recreation centers and partner shelters are listed online. Visit Mecklenburg County for locations, hours, and transportation options.
What To Know For Events And Commuters
If you have outdoor plans or work outside, try to schedule the heaviest tasks for the morning or evening, drink plenty of water, and take frequent breaks in air-conditioned or shaded areas. If thunder develops, head indoors right away; even isolated summer storms can bring strong gusts and frequent lightning with very little warning.
Looking ahead, forecasters expect slightly cooler afternoons next week, which should keep most heat-index readings below 105°F. A front could bring another round of stronger storms by Wednesday, so it is worth keeping an eye on local forecasts and radar before heading out.
