Brutal Heat with sweet relief in sight 

Another brutal heat wave has overtaken the Carolinas on this final weekend of July. High temperatures are hitting triple digits across the Piedmont this afternoon, breaking many daily records. As of 3:30pm Charlotte is at 100, which ties the daily record! The High Country hasn’t been spared either, with temperatures reaching the upper 80s. To add insult to injury, the muggy meter is in the highest category, making it feel closer to 110 for many in the Piedmont. Rain chances have also been tough to come by with few lucky enough to squeeze out an evening thunderstorm. Unfortunately, we look to keep this pattern around through the start of this work week. Highs near 100 and lows not much below 80 in the Piedmont through at least Tuesday. The High Country hits highs in the mid to upper 80s with lows dropping into the upper 60s.

With a pattern this hot and long-lasting, it is important to take some precautions. Stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activity near peak heating, check on your neighbors, and don’t forget to keep those pets indoors!

Now let’s talk about the good news, I see relief on the horizon. A front looks to approach the area from the north later this week. That means rain chances rise by Thursday and temperatures drop to more seasonable levels. Now the data is still rolling in, so the extent of this cool down is up for debate. A best case scenario (at least for outdoor activities) would feature drier air and temps in the 80s by next weekend. Another solution is we stay muggy, increase rain chances, and keep temperatures near 90 in the Piedmont. That would still be better than the current weather, and we could definitely use the rain after this hot and dry stretch. Make sure to stay tuned for the latest on that extended forecast!

Tonight: A stray storm. Mostly clear. Low: 79°. Wind: Calm.

Sunday: Mostly sunny. High 101°. Wind: Calm

Sunday Night: A stray storm. Mostly clear. Low: 80°. Wind: Calm

Monday: Mostly sunny. High 100°. Wind calm