CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Summer heat will hang on in Charlotte through midweek before storm chances rise Thursday afternoon and continue into the weekend. Highs will reach the upper 80s Wednesday, but scattered thunderstorms are expected to break the streak of mostly sunny skies by Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service, the Charlotte metro faces a 20 percent chance of storms after 2 p.m. Thursday, with rain chances climbing to 40 percent by Thursday night. Friday and Saturday bring continued rounds of scattered showers and storms, which could impact evening commutes and outdoor events across Mecklenburg, Union, and Cabarrus counties.
Drivers along I-77, I-85, and I-485 should stay alert for sudden downpours and possible lightning delays, particularly during peak travel hours. Outdoor plans, from youth sports to concerts in Uptown, may need last-minute adjustments. Residents are encouraged to keep phones charged and check for lightning alerts if spending time outside.
Storm chances taper into Sunday night, with drier, sunny weather returning by Monday.
Five Day Forecast for Charlotte, NC:
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high near 89.
- Thursday: High near 87, storms possible after 2 p.m.
- Friday: Partly cloudy, high near 81, 30% storm chance.
- Saturday: Partly sunny, high near 81, 40% storm chance.
- Sunday: Partly sunny, high near 83, evening storms possible.
