Charlotte, N.C. – Golden sunlight and crisp air greet the Carolinas Thursday morning, but a high fire danger warning is taking center stage before calmer, cooler weather arrives this weekend. Gusty northwest winds and extremely dry air will push humidity below 25 percent this afternoon, creating ideal conditions for brush fires across western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina.
According to the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg, winds could gust 15 to 25 mph during the afternoon, especially along the I-85 corridor between Charlotte and Greenville. “With dry fuels and falling humidity, any spark could spread quickly,” forecasters warned in a Special Weather Statement. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Residents are urged to delay debris burns, secure trailer chains, and use extreme caution with outdoor equipment until winds ease.
Fire danger should ease Friday as winds weaken, but the air will stay crisp with highs near 67°F and lows dipping into the lower 40s. Patchy frost may form in sheltered valleys of the foothills and Piedmont by early Saturday — a sign of the season’s first hints of winter chill.
Saturday and Sunday will bring bright sunshine and light breezes, perfect for outdoor events, football tailgates, and Halloween decorating. Highs will climb into the upper 60s to near 70°F both days before a few showers return late Sunday night into Monday.
Across the Southeast, this same dry pattern stretches from Georgia to Virginia, marking the first widespread fire-risk stretch of late fall. The Carolinas’ transition to cooler air this weekend comes right on cue — a crisp reminder that November is just around the corner.
Five-Day Forecast for Charlotte, NC:
Thu: 71/42 – Sunny, breezy; high fire danger.
Fri: 67/42 – Clear and calm; cooler air settles in.
Sat: 68/44 – Mostly sunny; patchy frost possible early north.
Sun: 69/48 – Mostly sunny; clouds increase late.
Mon: 63/50 – Mostly cloudy; scattered light showers.
