A strong cold front is sweeping through western North Carolina and the Upstate early Monday morning, bringing significant weather changes to the region. Following this front, residents can expect very gusty northwest winds, which will contribute to an Elevated Fire Weather Risk for the entire area. This warning has been issued by the Storm Prediction Center due to the combination of strong winds and rapidly decreasing humidity levels.
Ahead of the cold front, a few showers are anticipated; however, humidity is expected to plunge dramatically, dropping below 20 percent in numerous locations by late morning and early afternoon. The impact of the winds is particularly concerning, with gusts reaching up to 60 mph in Avery County, prompting a High Wind Warning effective from 1:00 p.m. Monday through 7:00 a.m. Tuesday. Mitchell and Yancey Counties, along with the mountainous regions of McDowell and Burke Counties, are also likely to experience wind gusts nearing 50 mph.
Given the Elevated Fire Weather Risk, outdoor burning should be avoided to minimize fire hazards. As the cold front moves through, a significant drop in temperatures will follow, with nighttime lows predicted to dip into the upper teens by Tuesday morning.
This surge of colder air, combined with the brisk winds, stands as a reminder of the powerful forces of nature, urging residents to stay vigilant and prepared as they navigate the challenging weather conditions.