North Carolina wakes to a cold, gray hush. Headlights glow through mist, frost coats car roofs, and the air feels sharp on exposed skin. Temperatures hover near 28 degrees around Charlotte early today, with fog and mist reducing visibility in spots.
This cold start carries real impacts. Shaded roads and bridges along I-77, I-85, and I-485 may hide slick patches early. Drivers should slow down through mid-morning, especially near overpasses. For now, winter still has a firm grip.
Skies brighten later today, and temperatures recover into the lower 50s. The improvement helps, but the ground stays cold. Any lingering moisture can refreeze after sunset, creating another brief travel concern tonight.
Saturday delivers a quieter winter day. Sunshine dominates, but highs stall near 41 degrees, and a northwest breeze adds bite. Jackets stay necessary, especially during morning errands and outdoor events. By Saturday night, lows dip into the lower 20s, cold enough for widespread frost.
Change arrives Sunday. Clouds mix with sun, and temperatures climb into the mid-40s. It still feels cool, yet the trend finally points upward. Walks feel easier, and afternoon travel improves.
The warmup accelerates early next week. Monday reaches the mid-50s, and Tuesday surges into the lower 60s, well above early-February averages. Meteorologists say this pattern reflects a broader shift, as cold air retreats east and milder flow builds across the Southeast.
By midweek, clouds increase and rain chances return, but winter’s harsh edge fades. No snow or ice signals appear for now, though rapid temperature swings can still stress road surfaces.
Plan cautiously this morning. Allow extra travel time, use low beams in fog, and watch for slick spots. Are you already feeling the shift toward milder afternoons where you live?
Five-Day Outlook (Charlotte Area)
- Saturday: Sunny, breezy. High 41°F.
- Sunday: Partly sunny. High 44°F.
- Monday: Sunny and milder. High 56°F.
- Tuesday: Partly sunny, warm. High 63°F.
- Wednesday: Chance of rain. High 67°F.
