The peak of hurricane season is here – and some tropical trouble is brewing in our backyard. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is monitoring an area of low pressure off the Carolina coastline for rapid tropical development. The NHC is giving this system a 50% chance of becoming Tropical Storm Helene over the next few days as it slowly wanders northwestward. Medium- and short-range models are in good agreement that this storm will bring heavy rain and gusty winds to most Carolina beaches starting Sunday night. It remains to be seen how potential Helene will impact the Charlotte area, but higher rain chances and totals lie to the east.
A lot of moving pieces are in the forecast beyond Tuesday, but models are trending towards warmer and sunnier conditions for the back half of the week. Highs should surge back to near-normal levels in the 70s and 80s Wednesday through Friday after struggling to clear the 60s and 70s on Monday and Tuesday. Stray showers due to leftover moisture from potential Helene will remain in the forecast, but we should see more sunshine than anything else.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy. Mild. Low: 68°. Wind: NE 10-20. Gusts: 25+
Sunday: More clouds than sun. Stray shower? High: 80°. Wind: NE 10-20. Gusts: 25+
Sunday Night: Overcast and breezy. Low: 65°. Wind: NE 10-20. Gusts: 25+
Monday: Gusty showers, especially to the east. High: 74°. Wind: NE 10-20. Gusts: 25+