CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – We are giving you the First Alert for scattered storms moving into the Carolinas this afternoon. A cold front will move through the region, bringing increasing chances for thunderstorms and some much-needed relief from the oppressive heat and humidity.
Today: Last hot day before the change
This will be the last hot and humid day before conditions improve significantly. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will develop this afternoon into early evening as a cold front approaches from the west.
The greatest storm activity is expected in the mountains then scattered storms will track east across the NC Piedmont and northern Upstate.
Here’s what to expect:
- Storm threat: A few storms could pose a damaging wind threat. While not all storms will be severe, the atmosphere has enough instability and wind shear to organize some stronger multi-cell clusters. Stay alert and have a way to receive weather alerts.
- Temperature: High temperatures will reach the low to mid-90s, but when you factor in the humidity, heat indices will feel closer to 100-105 degrees in the Charlotte metro area.
- Wind: Winds will pick up out of the southwest this afternoon, becoming gusty—especially after 3 p.m. Gusts could approach 20-25 mph in some areas.
- Timing: Storms should exit to the east by late evening as the cold front pushes through.
Tonight into Monday
The cold front will push through by daybreak Monday, ushering in cooler and drier air. You’ll notice the difference immediately—humidity will drop significantly, and it’ll feel much more comfortable than what we’ve experienced over the last few days.
Monday through Wednesday: Break from the heat
Enjoy a refreshing break early in the week! We’re expecting generally dry weather with slightly below-normal temperatures. Highs will be in the upper 70s to low 80s with much lower humidity. It’ll feel great compared to the oppressive conditions we’ve been tracking.
Thursday and Friday: Moisture returns
Moisture and rain chances increase as we head into the end of the week. A tropical disturbance or enhanced tropical moisture could interact with a stalled frontal zone near the Gulf Coast, bringing rain chances back to the area.
Another cold front will also approach from the north. Rain chances will increase Thursday and peak Friday, with rain chances trending up…