Charlotte rolled into Tuesday, July 28 under mostly cloudy, muggy skies, with early morning temperatures hovering around 73°F. It will not stay mild for long. Forecasters expect a hot afternoon with a high near 94°F and heat-index readings climbing as high as 105°F in parts of the Piedmont. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are on the table from midday into the evening, with the main concern lining up with the mid- to late-afternoon commute.
Afternoon Severe Threat
A cold front sliding southeast across the region could fire up storms this afternoon, with the best shot at more organized cells between about noon and 8 p.m. Any storm that gets its act together may produce damaging wind gusts and large hail, and an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. According to the National Weather Service, the eastern Piedmont and areas south of I-85 should keep a close eye on the sky and be prepared to head indoors quickly if warnings are issued.
Heat And Cooling Resources
Humidity will crank up the discomfort factor, making it feel hotter than the actual air temperature, with heat-index values near 100–105°F this afternoon in some neighborhoods. A Heat Advisory remains in effect to the southwest in northeast Georgia from noon to 8 p.m., and residents are urged to limit outdoor exertion, drink plenty of water, and never leave people or pets in closed vehicles. Mecklenburg County has activated cooling stations, and CATS is providing rides to designated day-service centers and recreation facilities for anyone who needs a break from the heat, according to Mecklenburg County.
Commute And Tonight
Southwest winds will pick up through the day, with gusts pushing into the low-20s mph. Stronger gusts from storm outflows could make driving tricky and send unsecured outdoor furniture tumbling. Showers and thunderstorms should wind down after the front moves through this evening, with lows around 72°F and mostly clear skies overnight. Wednesday is set to feel noticeably cooler and drier, with highs near 89°F and lower humidity.
