So, you’ve got plans in the Queen City this weekend. Maybe you’re eyeing that Puccini double feature at the Belk Theater or just trying to figure out if you can finally walk the dog without needing three layers of wool.
Honestly, the weather forecast for charlotte north carolina this weekend is looking like a total emotional rollercoaster. We're talking about a weekend that starts with a wildfire warning and ends with the possibility of snowflakes. Classic North Carolina, right?
If you haven't checked the latest National Weather Service alerts, Friday is actually kind of intense. It’s going to be sunny with a high of 46°F, but the air is bone-dry. We’re looking at humidity dipping down to 32% and wind gusts hitting 23 mph. Because everything is so dry, there’s a legit wildfire risk. Basically, don't even think about flicking a cigarette or starting a backyard fire pit today. It’s not just a suggestion; it’s a safety thing.
The Saturday Setup: Rain, Clouds, and a Bit of Warmth
Saturday is where things get weird. We’re going to see a massive temperature jump. We're talking a high of 55°F. That’s almost ten degrees warmer than Friday! But—and there’s always a "but" in Charlotte—it’s going to be wet.
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The day-time condition is "light rain" with a 45% chance of precipitation. If you were planning on hitting the South End Grand Opening for JETSET Pilates at noon, you might want to bring an umbrella. The wind is also shifting to come from the southwest at 16 mph. It’ll feel milder, but it won’t exactly be "nice" out.
Then Saturday night happens. The low drops to 37°F. While the chance of rain stays at 45% during the day, by the time 2:00 a.m. rolls around, the NWS is saying there's a 20% chance of snow.
Sunday: The Big Chill Returns
If Saturday was the "warm and wet" day, Sunday is the "cold and confusing" one. The high is only going to hit 39°F. That’s a sharp drop from the day before.
The weather forecast for charlotte north carolina this weekend shows a mix of rain and snow during the day on Sunday. The chance of snow is about 20%. It’s not exactly a blizzard, but enough to make you second-guess driving to the Whitewater Center for a night walk.
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By Sunday night, the sky clears out completely, but the temperature craters to 22°F. If you have outdoor pipes that aren't insulated, this is your official "pay attention" moment.
What This Means For Your Plans
If you’re heading to see "Suor Angelica" and "Gianni Schicchi" at the Belk Theater, Friday is your best bet for a dry commute, even if it’s chilly. Saturday evening is the real gamble. Most of the local "Weather First" alerts are focusing on those waves of rain that could impact the Panthers game or any outdoor dining at places like Aura Rooftop.
Honestly, it’s one of those weekends where the layers aren't optional. You need a windbreaker for Friday, a raincoat for Saturday, and a heavy parka for Sunday.
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- Friday: Sunny and dry. High 46°F, Low 20°F. Watch out for the wind.
- Saturday: Milder but soggy. High 55°F, Low 37°F. Light rain most of the day.
- Sunday: Cold and potentially snowy. High 39°F, Low 22°F. Clearing up late.
For those planning to hit the MLK Day celebrations on Monday, the good news is that the mess should be gone by then. Monday looks sunny with a high of 42°F, which is pretty standard for mid-January in Charlotte.
Basically, keep an eye on the radar on Saturday afternoon. The transition from that 55°F high down to the freezing marks on Sunday is when the "wintry mix" stuff usually gets messy on the roads.
Check your tire pressure before Sunday morning. Those 30-degree temperature swings are notorious for triggering "low pressure" lights on your dashboard. Also, if you’re planning on attending the "Opening Celebration: In Pursuit of Home" on Friday night, remember that while it's sunny during the day, that 20°F low at night is going to bite the moment the sun goes down.
Stay warm, stay dry, and maybe keep the snow boots by the door just in case those Sunday flurries decide to actually stick.