Rowan County Forecast: Heat Peaks Friday Before Storm Chances Increase This Weekend

Hot and humid summer weather continues across Rowan County through Saturday, but the weather pattern will become more active as we head into the weekend. While only isolated afternoon and evening thunderstorms are expected Friday, rain and thunderstorm coverage will steadily increase Saturday and especially Sunday as a cold front approaches.

Behind that front, temperatures will cool significantly early next week, with highs dropping into the lower 80s by Monday.

Friday

Expect increasing clouds and another hot afternoon with a high near 96°. Heat index values could reach 101°, so be sure to stay hydrated if you're spending time outdoors. A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms develops after 5 PM. While many locations will remain dry, a few storms could become strong with damaging wind gusts.

Friday Night

A few showers and thunderstorms may linger through the evening before skies become partly cloudy overnight. Low temperatures will fall to around 72°.

Saturday

It will remain warm with a high near 92°. Expect a mix of sun and clouds, with a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms developing after 2 PM. Some storms may become strong, producing gusty winds and heavy rainfall.

Saturday Night

Scattered showers and thunderstorms continue into the evening before gradually diminishing overnight. Low temperatures will settle near 68°.

Sunday

Sunday looks to bring the best opportunity for widespread rainfall. Mostly cloudy skies are expected with a high near 86°. Showers become more numerous during the afternoon, with thunderstorms likely after 4 PM. Rain chances increase to 60%, and locally heavy rainfall will be possible.

Sunday Night

Showers and thunderstorms remain likely through the evening before gradually tapering overnight. Low temperatures fall to around 65°.

Monday

A few lingering showers remain possible during the morning and early afternoon before conditions begin improving. Expect mostly cloudy skies with a high near 82°, making it one of the coolest days we've seen in quite some time.

Monday Night

Mostly cloudy skies continue with a low around 63°.

Tuesday

A pleasant summer day is expected with a mix of sun and clouds and a high near 86°.

What Has Changed?

• The Storm Prediction Center has expanded the Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 5) for severe thunderstorms into our area for Friday, indicating a slightly better chance for a few strong to severe storms.
• Sunday's forecast continues to feature the highest rain chances as a cold front moves through the Carolinas.

Key Messages

• Friday will be the hottest day of the forecast with highs near 96° and heat index values around 101°.
• A few strong thunderstorms are possible Friday and Saturday, with damaging wind gusts being the primary threat.
• Rain and thunderstorm coverage increases this weekend, with the highest chance of widespread rain arriving Sunday.
• Locally heavy rainfall becomes a greater concern Sunday into early next week.
• Cooler air arrives Monday, with highs dropping into the lower 80s before temperatures gradually warm again later next week.