Charlotte, N.C. – North Carolina residents should brace for a wave of heavy rain and thunderstorms barreling into Charlotte by Wednesday afternoon, just in time for the summer commute. Downpours, strong wind gusts, and heat indices reaching as high as 101°F are expected to bring traffic snarls and possible power outages across Mecklenburg County—especially on I-77 and I-85.
According to the National Weather Service, Wednesday’s storms will develop mainly after 2 p.m., with the greatest risk of severe weather into the evening. Rainfall could total up to three-quarters of an inch, with isolated higher amounts possible. Motorists are urged to avoid unnecessary travel during peak storm hours and watch for ponding on roadways, downed branches, and rapid visibility drops.
Wednesday night, showers may linger before midnight, keeping roads damp for Thursday’s early drivers. Thursday itself brings another round of scattered thunderstorms, but heat will remain the main concern, with high temperatures near 92°F and sultry conditions.
Friday delivers a brief break: mostly sunny skies and a high near 96°F promise classic Carolina summer heat. Residents should plan to hydrate, limit strenuous activity outdoors, and check on neighbors as heat indices climb.
The weekend outlook signals more summer heat with only a slight chance of storms, while Monday returns to partly sunny skies and highs in the mid-90s. This pattern favors outdoor plans but stay alert for quick changes—summer storms can pop up with little warning.
Warnings remain in effect through Thursday, with updated advisories possible as weather patterns shift.
Five-Day Forecast: Charlotte, NC (July 16–21)
- Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms possible after 2 p.m. High 92°F. Heat index up to 101°F.
- Wednesday Night: Chance of showers and storms before midnight. Low 74°F.
- Thursday: Scattered thunderstorms, mainly after 2 p.m. High 92°F.
- Thursday Night: 30% chance of storms, partly cloudy. Low 75°F.
- Friday: Sunny, hot. High 96°F.
- Friday Night: Slight chance of storms. Low 75°F.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, hot. High 94°F.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, hot. High 95°F.
- Monday: Mostly sunny. High 93°F.
