Charlotte, I am confirming a cold, wet start to the week. Light rain is falling across the city this morning, with temperatures near 38°F. Showers taper by late morning, then fog and low clouds settle in. Highs reach the low 40s, and tonight dips back into the 30s. No emergency alerts are active. City services and courts are operating on normal schedules.
What government is doing right now
City operations remain open. Public works crews are monitoring low spots, but no flooding reports have crossed my desk. CATS buses and LYNX trains are running on regular weekday service with weather pacing as needed. Parks and Recreation reports fields may be soft and slippery. Permit holders should be ready to switch to paved areas or adjust times. No curfews or emergency orders are in place.
Fog could lower visibility near daybreak and midday. CMPD traffic units have been directed to watch for unsafe speeds, failure to use headlights in rain and fog, and splash hazards in crosswalks. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is open. Ground delays are possible if fog thickens, which would be managed by FAA programs. Airlines will push updates to their apps first.
In North Carolina, drivers must use headlights when wipers are on and any time fog reduces visibility. Police can ticket for noncompliance. Keep low beams on in fog and leave extra space.
Your rights, and what the law expects today
Event organizers with city permits must follow safety plans and crowd control rules. The city can modify, move, or pause events if conditions raise safety concerns. If your outdoor event is permitted, your contact at the city can approve a time shift or relocation within the permit window.
If you are attending a holiday market or a tree lighting, you have the right to safe access. That includes accessible routes free of avoidable hazards and reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities. If a site is too slick or flooded, staff should offer an alternate entrance or a rain plan posted on site.
Workers assigned outdoors today, including delivery drivers and event staff, are entitled to basic protections. Employers must provide safe tools, proper rain gear, and reasonable breaks to prevent cold stress. This duty is enforced in North Carolina by the state workplace safety agency.
Travel and transportation, with legal checkpoints
At Charlotte Douglas, airlines control rebooking in weather. Federal rules give you a refund if your flight is canceled or significantly changed and you do not travel. Meals and hotels during weather delays are not required by law, but many airlines provide vouchers as a courtesy. The tarmac delay rule limits domestic planes to three hours on the ground with passengers before deplaning, with narrow safety exceptions.
If you are driving, remember the state move over law. Give extra room to stopped police, fire, tow, and road crews. Expect lower posted speeds in active work zones. Cyclists and pedestrians retain full right of way in crosswalks. Yield, and avoid splashing through standing water at corners.
CATS riders should plan a few extra minutes for bus connections. Stops must remain clear and accessible. Report blocked curb ramps or ponding at stops so crews can respond. If a vehicle bypasses your stop due to a flooded curb lane, you can request a courtesy stop at the next safe location.
Traveling by air today, check in on your airline app before leaving home, then again at the gate. If your flight cancels, request a refund for the unused ticket if you choose not to rebook.
Practical planning for a damp holiday Monday
This is not a shutdown day. It is a plan smart day. Dress for a wet chill. The air is near 40°F, which pulls heat fast when you are damp. If you are heading to an outdoor market, go later in the morning as rain fades, but watch for fog near midday. For events on city property, look for posted rain plans at entrances.
- Check your headlights and wipers before you leave, then slow down on foggy stretches. Keep alerts on for airport and transit updates.
Equity and access
Cold rain can be dangerous for neighbors without stable shelter. Mecklenburg’s network of providers coordinates warm places and transportation when conditions call for it. If you see someone who needs help, 211 can connect them with services. Public spaces remain open to all during normal hours, but camping rules and park closing times still apply.
Sidewalks, curb ramps, and transit platforms must be passable. If you manage a site open to the public, keep temporary hazards marked and cleared. Today that means cones near slick entries, mats at doors, and clear, well lit paths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are there any emergency orders or curfews today?
A: No. The city and county report routine operations. No emergency declarations are in effect.
Q: Can the city cancel a permitted outdoor event because of rain or fog?
A: Yes, if safety is at risk. More often, the city will approve a shift in time or location under the permit’s contingency rules.
Q: What are my rights if my flight is delayed by weather?
A: Airlines are not required to provide hotels or meals for weather delays. You are entitled to a refund if your flight is canceled or significantly changed and you do not travel.
Q: Do I have to turn on headlights in light rain or fog?
A: Yes. State law requires headlights when wipers are on and when visibility is reduced. Use low beams in fog.
Q: Will parking or school schedules change today?
A: Parking rules and schools are on normal schedules as of this report. Check official channels for any updates.
Charlotte will dry out slowly through the day, and the week stays cool. Plan your trips with care, know your rights, and expect government services to stay steady. Stay warm, stay visible, and enjoy the season safely.
