Charlotte storms with damaging winds, large hail possible Saturday, NWS says

As Charlotte prepared to cook again under suffocating heat and humidity that you could chew through, National Weather Service forecasters warned of storms with possibly damaging winds and large hail on Saturday.

“Severe storms are possible this afternoon and evening,” NWS forecasters in the Greer, S.C., office said at 10 a.m. on social media site X. “If you have outdoor plans, stay weather aware!”

Gusts up to 60 mph and hail an inch in diameter threaten the region, NWS meteorologists said.

The warning area also includes the N.C. foothills, the mountains and Rock Hill and other parts of Upstate South Carolina.

Storms could develop anytime between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m., according to the NWS.

Mecklenburg and surrounding counties are also under a heat advisory until 8 p.m.

“Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses,” according to the advisory that began at 11 a.m.

“Take extra precautions when outside,” NWS meteorologists said . “Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early evening.”

And don’t leave kids and pets unattended in cars, because “car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes,” according to the advisory.

Charlotte could reach 99 degrees with a heat index of 106 on Saturday, according to the NWS forecast. The heat index is what the outdoors feel like combining temperature and humidity.

Values between 103 and 124 are classified as “danger,” with “heat cramps or heat exhaustion likely, and heat stroke possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity,” according to the NWS heat index chart.

Saturday night and early Sunday have a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms, which the chance dropping to 30% during the day Sunday and climbing to a 60% chance late Sunday and early Monday, the forecast showed.

Skies should be sunny to mostly sunny Monday through the work week.

Highs are forecast to cool to 89 on Sunday, 85 on Monday and 88 on Tuesday before rising to 90 on Wednesday, 94 on Thursday and 92 on Friday, the forecast showed.

This is a developing story that will be updated.

Severe storms are possible this afternoon and evening. If you have outdoor plans this Saturday of Labor Day weekend, stay weather aware! Damaging winds are the main threat, though large hail can’t be ruled out.

Timing: 2–9 PM#ncwx #scwx #gawx pic.twitter.com/Vjotb6gNoH