Temperatures are set to plunge in the Charlotte area as winter weather makes its presence felt. On Thursday night, locals in the mountains can expect temperatures to drop into the teens, while the rest of the Charlotte region will experience lows in the mid-20s.
Drivers should remain cautious due to lingering snow and the potential for patchy freezing fog, which may lead to isolated slick spots in northwestern counties. As the day progresses, temperatures are forecasted to rise into the upper 40s and lower 50s by the afternoon, before a series of cold fronts arrive.
A winter weather advisory is in effect from Friday afternoon through Saturday morning, especially impacting the mountainous regions, where additional snow accumulation is anticipated to create slick roads. Meanwhile, the rest of the area may encounter passing showers during the afternoon and evening, although many areas are expected to remain dry.
As the weekend approaches, winds are predicted to strengthen, particularly in western counties, where a high wind watch is in place from Friday to Saturday. Gusts could reach up to 65 mph, posing a risk of downed trees and power lines, as well as blowing snow and dangerously cold wind chills in the mountains. The Charlotte Metro and eastern counties could see gusts of around 35 mph. Wind chill readings are expected to dip below zero in the mountains and into the single digits in the foothills, with the Charlotte area experiencing teens Saturday morning.
On the bright side, high pressure will build eastward, leading to calmer winds as Saturday goes on. Residents can look forward to ample sunshine with afternoon highs returning to the mid to upper 40s. However, it is advisable to avoid outdoor burning during this period due to the dry conditions and elevated fire risk.
The cold snap will continue into Sunday with another chilly start and a mix of sun and clouds throughout the day. Looking ahead, the weather is expected to significantly warm up next week, with highs in the mid-60s by Wednesday, promising a more pleasant outlook for the days to come.
For timely updates and to stay informed about weather conditions, the WBTV Weather app is available for download on mobile devices, and the latest forecasts can also be accessed through WBTV’s streaming app on smart TVs and streaming devices.