North Carolina – The Carolinas woke to a crisp, gray December chill this morning as temperatures across Charlotte hovered near the freezing mark. The air is still, the streets faintly glistening under a thin layer of frost — and while the cold bite continues for now, change is on the horizon.
Meteorologists at the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg say a slow warming trend will build through midweek, easing the early-December freeze. After a frigid start in the low 20s, highs today and Wednesday climb into the 40s, then push toward 50–54°F by Thursday. Sunshine will dominate much of the week, though gusts up to 30 mph Wednesday could make it feel chillier during the afternoon.
The week’s rhythm is familiar for early December — clear skies by day, brisk evenings, and wide temperature swings that make coats essential for morning commutes. Those traveling on I-85 or I-77 should watch for brief fog or frost patches before sunrise, especially in shaded corridors and low-lying rural stretches.
Heading into the weekend, mild air settles in with highs near 58°F Saturday and mid-50s Sunday, perfect for outdoor plans or early holiday decorating before colder air returns next week.
5-Day Outlook (Dec. 9–13)
- Wednesday: High 54°F, sunny, breezy with gusts up to 30 mph.
- Thursday: High 49°F, calm, partly cloudy.
- Friday: High 52°F, sunny and mild.
- Saturday: High 58°F, pleasant with cool evening.
- Sunday: High 55°F, sunny and seasonal.
