Greenville, SC – A cold front sweeping across the Carolinas early Sunday will bring strong winds, warm temperatures east of the mountains, and increasing fire danger across central and western North Carolina. According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Greenville–Spartanburg, a Wind Advisory is in effect for elevations above 3,500 feet in Avery County and areas northeast of Mount Mitchell from midnight to noon Sunday.
According to NWS, winds will strengthen overnight in the mountains and across the Piedmont on Sunday. In northern North Carolina mountains — including Avery, Mitchell, Yancey, and surrounding high-elevation regions — strong gusts may make driving difficult and could blow unsecured outdoor items around. Isolated power outages are possible due to the strongest bursts of wind.
Meanwhile, temperatures will remain unseasonably warm in the Piedmont as drier air moves into the region, lowering humidity levels significantly. This combination of gusty winds and low humidity will increase wildfire risk across much of central North Carolina, especially from Sunday afternoon into the evening. Counties highlighted in the Increased Fire Danger Statement include areas around Charlotte, Hickory, Salisbury, and Greensboro.
NWS urges residents to check with local authorities to determine whether outdoor burning is permitted. If burning is allowed, officials advise extreme caution, as fires could grow or spread quickly in these conditions.
The windy pattern will persist through Sunday before easing Sunday night as the cold front moves farther east.
