Hot & humid weekend, watching for isolated strong storms

Summer has taken back the reigns across the Carolinas after a cool and soggy Thursday. Highs continue to soar near 90° through the weekend as the only relief arrives in the form of isolated afternoon thunderstorms. While widespread storm activity is not in the forecast, a few cells over the next 48 hours may be on the stronger side. A Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe weather has been posted for the entirety of the WCCB Charlotte viewing area on Saturday; the strongest storms may contain gusty winds, torrential rainfall, and small hail. The severe threat remains elevated on Sunday as a cold front cuts through the Carolinas, but most communities remain dry for the majority of the weekend.

The heat sticks around into the workweek despite the cold front’s passage as highs remain in the mid-to-upper 80s through Wednesday. A second system encroaches upon the Carolinas on Tuesday as scattered afternoon storms return to the forecast, but don’t expect any washouts over the next five days. The back half of next week keeps the summertime pattern going; the heat, humidity, and pop-up storm chances are here to stay.

Tonight: Variable clouds. Mild and muggy. Low: 71°. Wind: SW 5-10.

Saturday: Hot and humid. Isolated heavy storms in the afternoon. High: 90°. Wind: SW 5-15. Gusts: 20+

Saturday Night: A few storms early, then mild and muggy. Low: 71°. Wind: SW 5-10.

Sunday: Summery again. PM isolated heavy storms. High: 86°. Wind: SW 5-15. Gusts: 20+