Labor Day Brings a Taste of Fall — But Summer Isn’t Finished Yet

After days of heat, humidity and temperatures that made September feel more like the middle of July, Labor Day is delivering a welcome change across the region.

Temperatures this afternoon are expected to reach only the lower 80s across Rowan, Davie, Davidson and Cabarrus counties. Rowan and Davie counties are forecast to top out around 81 degrees, while Davidson and Cabarrus counties should reach around 82.

That is quite a change from the upper 90s and triple-digit heat index values the region experienced just a few days ago.

And it isn't just the temperature.

Drier air is settling into the region behind the weekend front, making today's lower temperatures feel even more comfortable. Mostly sunny skies are expected across the area, making for some of the nicest weather we've had in quite a while for anyone spending part of Labor Day outdoors.

A Cool Night Ahead

The taste of fall becomes even more noticeable after sunset.

Overnight lows are expected to fall into the lower 60s across much of the region. Rowan and Davie counties should drop to around 62 degrees, Cabarrus County to around 63, and Davidson County could reach around 60.

Some locations may even dip into the upper 50s Tuesday night.

After the warm and muggy nights we've experienced recently, opening the door Tuesday morning may feel like we've jumped ahead several weeks on the calendar.

But don't put summer away just yet.

Temperatures Start Climbing Again Tuesday

Today's cooler weather will be relatively short-lived.

High pressure will keep the region dry through the middle of the week, but temperatures will begin a steady climb Tuesday.

Rowan County goes from around 81 today to 84 Tuesday, 86 Wednesday and 88 Thursday.

Davie County follows a similar trend, climbing from 81 today to 83 Tuesday, 86 Wednesday and 88 Thursday.

Davidson County reaches 84 Tuesday, 86 Wednesday and 89 Thursday, while Cabarrus County climbs to 85 Tuesday, 87 Wednesday and around 89 Thursday.

So while today offers a genuine taste of September, temperatures approaching 90 degrees will make a comeback before the end of the workweek.

Humidity will also begin increasing again later in the week, particularly Thursday and Friday.

The Next Cold Front Arrives Late This Week

Our next weather change will come toward the end of the week as another cold front approaches the Carolinas.

Cabarrus County could see its first showers as early as late Thursday afternoon. For most of the region, Friday currently looks like the better opportunity for rain.

Rowan and Davie counties have a 40 percent chance of showers Friday afternoon. Davidson County carries a 30 percent chance, while Cabarrus County has a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms.

There is still some uncertainty regarding exactly when the front moves through and how much rain it will produce, so those details will become clearer over the next few days.

Enjoy This Labor Day Preview of Fall

Meteorological fall may have started September 1, but September in North Carolina is still very much a transition month. Summer heat can hang around even as cooler and drier air occasionally gives us a preview of what's coming later in the season.

Labor Day is one of those previews.

Lower 80s this afternoon, lower humidity, sunshine and temperatures near 60 tonight will make it feel considerably different from the weather we experienced just a few days ago.

Enjoy it while it's here.

Summer isn't finished with us yet.