Charlotte starts Tuesday clear and near 73°F, but the calm morning is a brief preview of a much hotter afternoon. Temperatures are expected to climb to 96°F, with the heat index reaching as high as 103°F and a small chance of thunderstorms arriving late in the day.
Sunny First, Storm Risk After 5 P.M.
Most of Tuesday, August 11, should stay sunny as a light west wind runs between 1 and 6 mph. The National Weather Service puts the chance of showers and thunderstorms at 20% after 5 p.m., with rainfall totals likely below a tenth of an inch.
Any storms that develop could bring brief heavy rain and damaging wind gusts, although the overall threat is isolated. No watches, warnings or advisories are currently posted for Mecklenburg County, according to the National Weather Service.
More Mid-90s Heat Through Friday
Wednesday will look much like Tuesday, with mostly sunny skies, a high near 96°F and heat-index values up to 104°F. A few showers or thunderstorms could pop up after 2 p.m., followed by another warm, partly cloudy night near 74°F.
Thursday is forecast to reach 97°F under mostly sunny skies, while Friday could hit 98°F with another late-afternoon storm chance. Forecasters expect heat-index values between 100 and 105 in parts of the Piedmont and Upstate later in the week, especially Thursday and Friday.
Weekend Heat Relaxes Slightly
Saturday and Sunday should be a little less intense, but hardly cool: highs are projected near 93°F and 94°F, respectively. Monday rebounds to around 98°F, while overnight lows remain in the low to upper 70s, offering limited relief after sunset.
Outdoor plans will be easiest early in the day, before the afternoon heat peaks. Drink water regularly, take breaks in air conditioning or shade, and head indoors quickly if thunder becomes audible.
