Asheville, NC – A cold, still night is unfolding across the Southern Appalachians as the region braces for its first widespread freeze of the season. The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a Freeze Warning from 2 AM to 9 AM EDT Saturday for portions of western North Carolina, northeast Georgia, and the Upstate mountains of South Carolina — including Asheville, Franklin, Hendersonville, Clayton, and Mountain Rest.
Temperatures are expected to tumble into the upper 20s and near 30°F, cold enough to end the growing season across much of the Blue Ridge and foothill counties. Clear skies and calm winds will allow rapid cooling in valleys, with some sheltered hollows likely dropping even lower.
According to the weather service, frost and freeze conditions could kill or damage tender vegetation and may also affect exposed outdoor plumbing. Homeowners are urged to cover plants, drain sprinklers, and wrap above-ground pipes. Pet owners should ensure animals have warm, dry shelter as wind chills dip into the 20s near dawn.
By mid-morning Saturday, sunshine will return quickly, melting frost and lifting temperatures into the upper 50s. Sunday will trend milder, but another round of cold mornings is possible early next week before a gradual warm-up.
Travelers along I-26, US-64, and the Blue Ridge Parkway should expect frosty bridges and crisp mountain air early, giving the Carolinas a postcard-perfect — and cold — start to November.
