Charlotte is starting Tuesday partly cloudy, muggy and around 74 degrees before a sharp climb into the mid-90s. The heat index could reach 103 this afternoon, making the first day of September feel more like summer overtime than an early taste of fall.
Skies are expected to turn sunny quickly, with a high near 96 and only a 2% chance of rain. The National Weather Service expects light winds and mostly clear conditions Tuesday night, with temperatures dropping only to around 74.
Three More Days Of Triple-Digit Heat Index Values
The hottest stretch arrives Wednesday through Friday, when highs are forecast near 98 degrees each day. Heat index values could reach 106 Wednesday, while overnight lows remain in the mid-70s, keeping the city warm and sticky well after sunset.
Rain will not provide much relief at first, with only isolated mountain showers and storms expected through Thursday. Friday remains sunny and hot, but a slight chance of thunderstorms develops Friday night before weekend storm chances increase.
Cooler, Stormier Weekend In Sight
Saturday will still be hot, with a high near 96 and a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. The chance rises to 40% Saturday night, followed by a mostly sunny Sunday with a high near 89 and a 30% chance of afternoon storms.
Labor Day looks noticeably cooler, with a high near 84 and a slight chance of rain showers. Until then, residents should limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, drink plenty of water and use air conditioning or other cool spaces when possible, as outlined by the National Weather Service heat safety guidance.
