GREENVILLE, S.C. – The first major blast of Arctic air this season will sweep into the Carolinas Monday night, delivering the coldest temperatures and wind chills so far this fall. Lows will plunge into the 20s across the Upstate and Piedmont, with mountain valleys tumbling into the teens.
According to the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg, the core of the cold air mass will arrive late Monday evening and persist through early Tuesday. Wind chills in the teens are expected across much of western North Carolina, with readings as low as 5° to 10° in the higher elevations near Boone, Burnsville, and Mount Mitchell. Even in the Greenville and Spartanburg metro areas, apparent temperatures may dip into the upper teens by dawn Tuesday.
The NWS warns that this quick shift to cold could pose hazards to those without adequate heat or shelter. Homeowners should take precautions to protect outdoor pipes, sensitive plants, and pets from the freeze. Drivers may encounter slick spots in mountain communities where residual moisture freezes overnight, particularly along I-40 and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Light snow is also possible along the highest ridges of western North Carolina late Monday night into Tuesday morning, mainly above 3,500 feet. Accumulations will be minor but could briefly coat mountaintop roads.
Winds will gradually ease by Tuesday afternoon as skies clear, but temperatures will remain well below normal. Highs will struggle to reach the 40s in the mountains and low 50s across the Upstate before another frosty night follows.
