Strong Storms Possible Before Heat Wave: Forecast

CHARLOTTE, NC — Strong storms could pop up around the Charlotte metro region Thursday afternoon, bringing with them the possibility of gusty winds, cloud-to-ground lightning and small hail, the National Weather Service said in a hazardous weather outlook.

The storm warning was issued for the western piedmont of North Carolina, as well as the upstate of South Carolina and northeast Georgia.

The weather leading into Memorial Day weekend and early next week, however, is expected to be hazardous as well, due to heat, NWS said.

“Near record high temperatures will develop across the region Friday through Monday. Heat index values in the 95 to 100 degree range will be possible,” NWS said.

Here is the National Weather Service’s forecast through the Memorial Day weekend:
This Afternoon (May 23)
Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Southwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 71. Southwest wind 5 to 7 mph.
Friday (May 24)
Sunny, with a high near 94. West northwest wind 6 to 9 mph.
Friday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 72. North northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday (May 25)
Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. East northeast wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Sunday (May 26)
Sunny, with a high near 96.
Sunday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 72.
Memorial Day (May 27)
Sunny, with a high near 95.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Tuesday (May 28)
Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.
Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Wednesday (May 29)
Mostly sunny, with a high near 95.