CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A run of summer-like heat will grip North Carolina starting Thursday, with Charlotte set to push into the upper 80s and low 90s through the weekend. Drivers on I-77 and I-85 should prepare for hot pavement and glare that could reduce visibility during peak afternoon travel.
According to the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg, Thursday will reach 86 degrees under full sunshine, with southwest winds gusting to 21 mph. Friday and Saturday heat builds further, topping out at 91 to 92 degrees. That puts the region well above early September averages, with a “false fall” only arriving Sunday when highs drop back into the lower 80s.
Charlotte commuters could face challenging driving conditions in the afternoons. Sun glare on westbound routes like I-485 will reduce visibility during rush hour. Outdoor workers, athletes, and anyone attending football games should hydrate and take breaks as heat stress risks rise.
Clear skies dominate each night, with lows in the upper 60s to low 70s. No rain is in sight, and the dry stretch will continue until at least Monday, raising concern for brittle lawns and outdoor fire danger in drier rural counties.
Relief comes Sunday into early next week, when a cold front slides through, pulling highs back near 80 by Monday. Still, meteorologists say another warm-up could follow later in September.
Stay weather-aware and use extra caution during afternoon travel, especially on high-speed corridors. The National Weather Service will provide additional updates if conditions shift.
Five Day Forecast for Charlotte, North Carolina
- Thursday: Sunny, high near 86, breezy. Low 67.
- Friday: Sunny, high near 91. Low 70.
- Saturday: Sunny, high near 92. Low 67.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high near 83. Low 63.
- Monday: Partly sunny, high near 78. Low 63.
