Tuesday is shaping up to feel much more like early summer around the Carolinas. Weβll wake up to plenty of sunshine and a warmer start to the day, with afternoon temperatures quickly climbing into the low 80s. Itβll also turn a bit breezy by the afternoon, with wind gusts around 25 mph at times as our next weather maker starts getting closer. Enjoy the dry weather while it lasts, because changes begin moving in late Tuesday night.
Wildfires are intensifying across the southeastern U.S.
Scientists are using controlled fires to study how to protect homes from wildfires. At a site in South Carolina, researchers burn down test houses to learn how different materials and designs can withstand flames.
The drought has been serious across the Carolinas, but now it has officially been classified a disaster. The USDA has declared the 2026 Drought an agricultural disaster. The latest update from the U.S. Drought Monitor,Β shows every part of North Carolina dealing with at least some level of drought.
Union County Water is urging customers to follow Stage 1 of their water conservation measures, plus the Town of Harrisburg has released voluntary water conservation guidelines, as hot and dry conditions continue across the southeast
Charlotte Water plans to implement voluntary water restrictions starting next week amid the ongoing drought.
A local water system is asking customers to help conserve water in the extreme heat and dry conditions. Iredell Water is the first in our area to implement water restrictions this season.
One of the biggest storylines this year isnβt just in the Atlantic,Β itβs happening in the Pacific.Β There are growing signs that aΒ βSuper El NiΓ±oβΒ could develop as we head into the peak of hurricane season. A typical El NiΓ±o means warmer-than-average water in the Pacific. AΒ SuperΒ El NiΓ±o takes that even further, with temperatures running aboutΒ 1.5 to 2Β°C above normal, which can have a stronger influence onΒ weather patterns.Β Right now, some of the latest guidance from NOAA and the ECMWF suggests thereβs roughly aΒ 1-in-3 chanceΒ we could reach those levels by late summer or early fall.
March has been the hottest month on record for the continental United States in 132 years.
