A significant cold front is set to impact the Charlotte region tonight, bringing 16-degree wind chills and 30-mph gusts. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), light snow flurries are expected, but significant accumulation is not anticipated.
Freeze Warning Issued in Charlotte
The cold front will create a steep temperature drop of approximately 20 degrees in just a few hours. As a result, a freeze warning is active from 8 p.m. tonight until 9 a.m. tomorrow. This warning indicates the risk of temperatures dropping low enough to damage outdoor plumbing and kill sensitive plants.
Weather Forecast Details
- Precipitation: There is a 20% chance of light snow showers before 11 p.m., and a potential for flurries until 1 a.m.
- Overnight Low: The temperature is expected to reach around 27 degrees.
- Wind Gusts: Winds could reach speeds of 30 mph, contributing to dangerous wind chills.
Forecasters are especially concerned about conditions in the nearby mountains, where temperatures may drop into the mid-teens. Higher elevations could see up to a foot of snow, while at Grandfather Mountain, wind gusts have been reported at more than 50 mph, with a wind chill as low as minus 12 degrees.
Precautionary Measures
Residents are advised to take precautions to protect vulnerable outdoor plants from the extreme cold. The NWS recommends the following actions:
- Drain in-ground sprinkler systems.
- Remove garden hoses.
- Cover above-ground pipes to prevent freezing.
On Veterans Day, temperatures are projected to rebound to around 47 degrees. However, gusts of up to 22 mph may persist, making early week conditions particularly chilly.
Stay informed and take necessary steps to guard against the cold throughout the week as temperatures will gradually improve after tonight.
