Charlotte is starting Thursday under clear skies, but the calm morning is a deceptive preview of what's ahead: temperatures are expected to surge to 97 degrees, with the heat index reaching 105. Early conditions were around 78 degrees with humid air and calm winds.
Sunny skies will dominate through the afternoon, with a south-southwest breeze of 1 to 5 mph. The National Weather Service says the most oppressive heat will persist east of the mountains through Saturday, and a Heat Advisory is in effect for Union County from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday.
Friday Keeps The Heat Turned Up
Friday looks nearly identical, with sunshine, a high near 97 and heat-index values as high as 106. Thursday night will stay mostly clear, but the low will only fall to about 75, and the heat index could remain as high as 103 during the evening.
Storm Chances Rise Saturday
Saturday brings the first meaningful chance of rain, though much of the day should remain sunny and hot. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms begins between 2 and 4 p.m., increasing to a 30% chance later in the afternoon and evening as a front crosses the region.
Cooler Air Arrives Sunday
Sunday marks a noticeable turn, with a high near 88 and a 30% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Labor Day should be partly sunny with a high near 84 and only a slight chance of rain or storms, while Tuesday rebounds to around 88 under mostly sunny skies.
Anyone spending time outdoors Thursday through Saturday should take frequent breaks in shade or air conditioning, drink water and avoid leaving children or pets in parked vehicles. Overnight relief will be limited before the weekend front brings cooler temperatures to the Charlotte area.
