Charlotte woke up to swampy air in the low 70s this morning, with humidity cranked way up and the atmosphere primed for trouble. Forecasters say scattered showers are expected to bubble up and grow into thunderstorms this afternoon, with the wettest stretch likely between about 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. The high should top out near 88°F, so plan on a warm, damp day for errands and events. If your plans take you outside this afternoon or evening, keep an umbrella and a backup plan close.
Afternoon And Evening
Showers are expected to ramp up through early afternoon, becoming more widespread by midafternoon. Any thunderstorm that pops up could bring brief heavy downpours and frequent lightning, and a few stronger cells may kick up gusty winds. Rain totals will be all over the map, but current guidance points to around a quarter to a half inch for many spots, with higher amounts where storms repeatedly track over the same neighborhoods. If you have outdoor plans or will be on the road for the afternoon commute, keep an eye on radar and be ready to wait out passing storms.
Overnight And Early Week
The unsettled pattern hangs around into Sunday night and Monday, when pockets of heavier rain could trigger localized flash flooding. Some locations may pick up roughly a half inch to three quarters of an inch of rain overnight. Forecasters are also keeping an eye on the potential for isolated severe storms through Monday, along with a noticeable cooldown Monday into Tuesday, with highs running well below what is typical for mid July. For the full forecast and technical discussion, see the NWS Greenville-Spartanburg.
Commute And Safety Tips
Heavy downpours can quickly knock down visibility and lead to ponding on roads, so ease off the gas, leave extra room to stop, and never drive through standing water. For official alerts and local guidance on flooding and cleanup, you can sign up for CharMeck Alerts and check the City's storm resources before you head out. See the City of Charlotte Storm Center for links and advisories.
