North Carolina wakes to damp pavement and low clouds as a Weather Alert shapes the start of the new year across the Charlotte area. Moist air spreads in early, softening the morning light and setting the stage for rain and fog that could affect travel.
According to the National Weather Service, clouds thicken today with temperatures rising into the lower 60s. Winds stay light, but visibility may fluctuate as moisture increases. Roads begin drying slowly after earlier chill, yet conditions change quickly once rain develops.
Rain becomes more likely later today and into Saturday. The wettest stretch arrives early Saturday, when steady rain and areas of patchy fog could reduce visibility, especially before mid-morning. Rainfall totals range from a quarter to a half inch, enough to leave roads slick but not trigger flooding concerns.
Drivers should plan ahead. Wet pavement, fog-prone neighborhoods, and shaded roadways may cause brief slowdowns. Allow extra time during early trips and watch for sudden visibility drops near interchanges and low-lying areas.
Temperatures cool Saturday, topping out near 47 degrees, reinforcing the winter feel despite the rain. By Saturday night, showers taper, clouds thin, and cooler air settles in.
Sunday marks a clear shift. Sunshine returns, skies brighten, and highs rebound into the mid 50s. Pavement dries, visibility improves, and outdoor plans regain momentum as the first weekend of 2026 closes on a calmer note.
Meteorologists note the broader pattern favors unsettled weather across the Southeast, while colder air holds farther north. For Charlotte, impacts remain manageable but noticeable for travel.
Keep rain gear nearby. Slow down in fog. Expect improving conditions by Sunday afternoon.
📅 Five-Day Outlook — Charlotte, NC
- Today: Increasing clouds, high near 61
- Saturday: Rain likely, patchy fog, high near 47
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high near 55
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 54
- Tuesday: Partly sunny, warmer, high near 62
