CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A mild start to the weekend will give way to a sharp, early taste of winter as the Carolinas brace for their first widespread freeze of the season. Warm, humid air lingers through Sunday, but a strong push of cold, dry air is set to sweep in behind a departing system—dropping temperatures fast by Monday morning.
The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg warns that freezing conditions could spread across western North Carolina, the Upstate of South Carolina, and parts of northeast Georgia Monday night into Tuesday morning. Temperatures are expected to dip into the upper 20s and low 30s, cold enough to damage tender plants and end the growing season for many areas.
Before the chill sets in, one more round of showers is likely late Saturday into early Sunday. Most rainfall will be light, but roads along I-85 and I-77 could turn slick for a few hours as cooler air filters in. By Sunday afternoon, clouds begin to clear, setting up a crisp, breezy evening with temperatures tumbling into the upper 30s.
Monday’s highs will struggle to reach the upper 40s under bright sunshine, but the air will feel distinctly different—dry, breezy, and sharply cooler. Veterans Day stays sunny and seasonably cool, offering pleasant but chilly conditions for outdoor ceremonies.
Looking ahead, the region will see a slow warmup midweek, yet models hint that another cold front could return before Thanksgiving. For now, residents should winterize pipes, protect outdoor plants, and prepare for the Carolinas’ first real brush with November frost.
Five-Day Outlook for Charlotte, NC:
Sat: 74/58 – Mostly sunny; showers late.
Sun: 74/38 – Early rain; breezy and cooler.
Mon: 47/28 – Sunny; hard freeze possible early.
Tue (Veterans Day): 49/37 – Sunny; chilly breeze.
Wed: 62/40 – Mild; sunshine returns.
