Charlotte weather turns warm before midweek rain arrives

Clearing skies and warmer air moved into the Carolinas at the start of the work week following a cool, cloudy weekend.

Overnight temperatures are expected to fall into the 40s and low 50s, running a few degrees above the normal range for early November. Afternoon highs on Tuesday will climb into the mid to upper 70s, placing them ten degrees above the seasonal average. This warming will not reach the daily record of 83 degrees. Similar conditions will persist on Wednesday, also remaining below record levels.

Cloud cover will increase on Wednesday, with isolated showers potentially reaching the mountainous regions by afternoon. More widespread rain is forecast to enter the broader area late Wednesday night and continue through Thursday. The precipitation will be intermittent, lasting from Thursday night into the first half of Friday. Meteorologists describe this as the best chance for measurable rain in the region in more than three weeks, though the system will not produce a washout.

Projected rainfall totals stand at approximately one quarter inch in the Piedmont region. Areas in the foothills and mountains are expected to receive more than one half inch. A few thunderstorms are possible, but the potential for severe weather remains very low. Following the departure of the rain system, cooler air will settle in for the weekend.

Highs for Saturday and Sunday are forecast to reach the mid to upper 60s, while overnight lows will mostly stay in the 40s. A small chance of showers exists for Monday, but the incoming system is currently considered weak.

The shift from unseasonably warm afternoons to a cooler, wetter period marks a distinct change in the regional pattern. The upcoming rain will break a dry spell that has persisted for over three weeks, delivering the most reliable moisture to the area in that timeframe.