Thunderstorms, Strong Winds: Charlotte Metro Forecast

CHARLOTTE, NC — A line of thunderstorms moving throughout the Charlotte metro will lead to hazardous weather including strong winds and a possible isolated tornado, the National Weather Service warned Wednesday.

"A late season strong cold front is forecast to push through the area this afternoon aiding in the development of numerous showers and thunderstorms," NWS said in a hazardous weather outlook bulletin. "A few of these storms may be severe producing damaging wind gusts. An isolated weak, brief tornado cannot be ruled out."

Soggy conditions are set to clear up by Thursday, however, temperatures will plummet.

"Behind the front, expect much colder temperatures with a freeze likely Thursday night and possibly again Friday night," NWS said. "A freeze warning will be needed for the Piedmont south of I-40 where the growing season will have commenced."

Warmer springtime temperatures return in time for Easter Sunday, when the high will be in the low 70s.

Here's a look at the National Weather Service forecast through the weekend:

Today (March 31)
A chance of showers, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. High near 71. South wind 8 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight
Rain and thunderstorms before 11pm, then rain likely. Low around 43. South southwest wind 6 to 13 mph becoming north northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday (April 1)

Mostly sunny, with a high near 52. North northwest wind 11 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.

Thursday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 31. North northwest wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Friday (April 2)
Sunny, with a high near 51. North northwest wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Friday Night
Clear, with a low around 30.

Saturday (April 3)
Areas of frost before 8am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 60.

Saturday Night
Clear, with a low around 39.

Sunday (April 4)
Sunny, with a high near 71.

Sunday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 46.

Monday (April 5)
Sunny, with a high near 74.