Weather Impact: Charlotte’s first freeze of the season expected with temps plunging into the 20s
The Queen City could see temperatures well below freezing, while the mountains will see single-digit wind chill and frigid conditions.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A significant cold front is set to bring the Charlotte area its first freeze of the season early next week, with temperatures plummeting into the 20s and 30s and wind chills dropping into the single digits in mountain areas.
Weather Impact meteorologist Majestic Storm said the dramatic temperature shift will be jarring for residents who have recently enjoyed multiple days in the 70s.
“This is going to be kind of weird for our body because we’ve had multiple days into the 70s and then our daytime highs Monday and Tuesday only into the 40s,” Storm said Friday morning.
When
The cold snap arrives after a pleasant weekend, with Friday, Saturday and Sunday expected to stay above average with daytime highs around 70 degrees. However, multiple cold fronts are moving through the region, bringing the possibility of breezy winds and isolated showers.
Mountain areas will see rain showers overnight Friday into early Saturday morning, but conditions should clear by 7 a.m. for weekend plans.
Friday afternoon is expected to feature sunny skies and mild conditions, with temperatures climbing into the low 70s.
The weekend forecast shows only small chances for stray showers, with most rain expected to fall overnight while residents sleep. Saturday and Sunday will remain pleasant, with much of the precipitation bypassing the area entirely.
Impacts
Tuesday morning will mark the season’s first freeze for the Charlotte area. Anyone with sensitive plants should prepare their gardens now.
“If you have any sensitive plants, unfortunately it’s not looking great,” Storm said. “You need to protect them, bring them inside.”
Mountain communities will face even harsher conditions, with air temperatures dropping into the teens and 20s. Wind chill values are forecast to plunge into the single digits Monday night through Tuesday morning. Some areas, including Boone, could feel as cold as 5 degrees.
“If you work out in the elements, you’re going to need to mentally prepare for this,” Storm said.
Needs to stay safe during cold
Despite the dramatic temperature drop, Storm emphasized that no serious or life-threatening weather is expected. The forecast calls for sunny skies Monday and Tuesday, even as temperatures remain well below normal.
Overnight lows will drop into the 20s and 30s across the Charlotte area beginning Monday night.
“If you like a good Crockpot, it’s Crockpot weather,” Storm said.
The cold snap represents a significant departure from recent mild conditions, with daytime highs struggling to reach the mid-40s Monday and Tuesday — roughly 25 degrees cooler than the weekend highs.
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