Heat Advisory In Effect For Much Of Charlotte Metro Region

CHARLOTTE, NC — The work week is off to a scorching start, with a heat advisory in effect for much of the Charlotte metro region, according to the National Weather Service.

According to NWS, heat index values up to 106 degrees are expected Monday afternoon. The heat advisory is in effect for areas including Mecklenburg, Union, Cabarrus and Rowan counties until 8 p.m. July 20.

Isolated showers and thunderstorms are also expected in the area this afternoon, some with possible damaging wind gusts and frequent lightning, forecasters said.

"Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors," NWS said. "Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances."

Here is the National Weather Service forecast through the end of the week:

Today (July 20)
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2pm. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 104. South southwest wind 3 to 5 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tonight
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 9pm. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 75. South southwest wind 3 to 6 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday (July 21)
A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. Heat index values as high as 103. Southwest wind around 6 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday Night
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. South southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday (July 23)
A slight chance of showers between 10am and 11am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Southwest wind 3 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Wednesday Night
A 20 percent chance of showers before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75.
Thursday (July 24)
A chance of showers between 11am and 1pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Thursday Night
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75.
Friday (July 25)
A chance of showers before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between noon and 2pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday Night
A 30 percent chance of showers before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74