Charlotte starts Friday under clear skies, but the calm morning is a brief prelude to dangerous heat. Temperatures will climb from the mid-70s to near 97 degrees, with humidity pushing the heat index as high as 106. Overnight relief will be limited, with Friday night temperatures settling near 76 degrees.
Friday Brings Dangerous Heat
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Mecklenburg County from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, with sunny skies and light southwest winds around 5 mph expected during the hottest part of the day, according to the National Weather Service. The heat index could remain as high as 103 Friday evening, so the sunset will not deliver much immediate relief.
Cooling Help Is Available Around Mecklenburg County
Residents who need a break from the heat can use designated cooling locations, including Roof Above’s Day Services Center at 945 N. College St., which Mecklenburg County says will remain open through Friday afternoon. The county also lists recreation centers, senior centers, libraries and spraygrounds as options, with Charlotte Area Transit System rides available to designated cooling stations, according to Mecklenburg County.
Drink water frequently, limit strenuous outdoor activity and choose loose, lightweight clothing. Children, older adults, pregnant people, outdoor workers and anyone with heart or lung conditions face greater risk from heat-related illness.
Storm Chances Rise Saturday
Saturday will be mostly sunny and even hotter, with a high near 98 and heat-index values up to 104 before a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms develops after 4 p.m. Stronger storms could bring damaging wind gusts, with the main severe-weather concern expected during the afternoon and evening.
Cooler Air Arrives For Labor Day
Showers and thunderstorms remain possible Saturday night and Sunday, when Charlotte should see a high near 90 and a 40% chance of rain. A cold front will then bring a noticeably cooler Labor Day, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 84.
The break will last at least briefly: Tuesday is forecast to reach 87 under mostly sunny skies, followed by highs near 90 Wednesday and 94 Thursday. Drier conditions are expected for much of next week, even as temperatures gradually begin climbing again.
