Charlotte-area storms with ‘damaging’ 60 mph gusts expected Saturday, NWS says
Severe storms with damaging, 60 mph gusts may develop in the Charlotte area Saturday afternoon and evening, National Weather Service meteorologists said.
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“The main threat will be damaging wind,” NWS forecasters said on social media.
Storms could emerge anytime between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., according to the NWS.
Rock Hill, the Hickory area and Asheville and other parts of the mountains also fall under the treat, according to the NWS office in Greer, S.C.
The severe weather would come on another dangerously hot day when the heat index value in Charlotte is expected to reach 105, down from 111 in an earlier NWS forecast on Friday. The heat index is what the outdoors feel like combining temperature and humidity.
A heat index of 103 to 124 is classified as a “danger” zone on the chart.
“Heat cramps or heat exhaustion likely, and heat stroke possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity,” according to the NWS heat index.
A heat advisory for Mecklenburg and surrounding counties will be in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, the NWS said. A heat advisory also was in effect on Friday.
“Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses,” according to the advisory.
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Hydrate up if you’re attending the Charlotte Pride Festival noon-10 p.m. Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday, and the parade from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Or Charlotte FC’s match against the Columbus Crew at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Bank of America Stadium.
In its Friday and Saturday heat advisories, the NWS urged everyone to “drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
“Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles,” the NWS said. “Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.”
Charlotte is forecast to stay sunny and hot through at least Friday, with expected highs of 96 on Saturday and Sunday, 98 on Monday, 95 on Tuesday and Wednesday, 97 on Thursday and 91 on Friday, according to the NWS forecast.
After Saturday’s expected storms, the city’s next chance for showers and thunderstorms is late Thursday and early Friday, at a less-than-even 40%, forecasters said.
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This is a developing story that will be updated.
This story was originally published August 14, 2026 at 1:50 PM.
