North Carolina wakes up to crisp air and bright skies, with breath visible and frost lingering on shaded lawns. Jackets feel necessary early, but they won’t stay that way for long as temperatures climb steadily into the afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service, the Charlotte metro and nearby Upstate South Carolina start the morning near the mid-30s, with calm winds and clear conditions. Sunshine dominates through the day, allowing highs to rebound into the mid-50s. Roads remain dry, and travel issues are not expected, though early walkers may notice a biting chill.
Across the region, today serves as a quiet transition day. Cold air retreats quickly after sunrise, easing concerns for frost or black ice. To be fair, the cold feels sharper at dawn than the numbers suggest, especially in low-lying areas north of Charlotte and toward Greenville-Spartanburg.
The bigger story arrives early in the workweek. Monday stays mild near the upper 50s, then temperatures surge Tuesday as southwesterly winds increase. Gusts may top 20 mph, pushing highs into the mid to upper 60s. By Wednesday, springlike warmth peaks, with readings near or above 70 degrees across much of the Carolinas.
Meteorologists continue tracking a broader January pattern shift. While the Midwest and Great Lakes may see heavier snow later this month, the Carolinas remain locked into above-average warmth along the southern tier. Winter isn’t gone, but it’s clearly on pause for now.
Drivers should enjoy smooth conditions today and plan lighter layers by midweek. Keep an eye on changing winds Tuesday if traveling in high-profile vehicles along I-77 or I-85.
How cold did it feel in your neighborhood this morning, and are you ready for 70s in January?
Five-Day Outlook for Charlotte, NC
• Today: Sunny, high near 56
• Monday: Partly sunny, high near 58
• Tuesday: Mostly sunny, breezy, high near 66
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high near 71
• Thursday: Partly sunny, high near 68
