Charlotte is starting Saturday clear and warm, but the calm morning will give way to a dangerous combination of triple-digit heat and late-day thunderstorms. Temperatures are expected to climb to about 99 degrees, with the heat index reaching as high as 106.
A Heat Advisory is in effect for Mecklenburg County from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. The National Weather Service warns that hot temperatures and high humidity could cause heat-related illness, so outdoor plans are safest early in the morning or after sunset.
Most of the day should stay sunny, with light winds and temperatures rising through the 90s. A chance of showers and thunderstorms arrives after 5 p.m., and storms could continue into the overnight hours.
Storms Could Bring Damaging Winds
The storm risk is more than a passing shower chance. In its latest forecast discussion, the National Weather Service said storms developing Saturday afternoon and evening could produce damaging wind gusts and hail up to about an inch.
Sunday will be cooler, with a high near 89, but the atmosphere will remain unsettled. Showers and thunderstorms are possible during the afternoon, with storms becoming likely Sunday night before the weather finally settles down.
Labor Day Looks Cooler And Mostly Sunny
Monday brings the best break of the holiday weekend: mostly sunny skies and a high near 85, followed by a mostly clear night with temperatures falling to around 66. The cooler air will not last forever, with sunny and warmer conditions returning Tuesday through Friday.
Saturday's forecast is a substantive update from the earlier Hoodline forecast, adding a stronger focus on the evening storm threat and the possibility of severe weather. Anyone spending time outside should drink plenty of water, take breaks in air conditioning or shade, and never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle.
