North Carolina — Headlights glow through thin fog this morning as mild air settles across the Carolinas. Damp pavement and low visibility briefly slow early commuters, especially near neighborhoods and low-lying roads.
Temperatures hover in the mid-40s at daybreak, far from a typical January chill. Fog thins quickly after sunrise, allowing brighter skies to take over by mid-morning. Drivers should remain cautious through the early commute, especially on I-77 and I-85 corridors.
As clouds break, a noticeable warm-up follows. Afternoon highs reach the mid-60s today, then climb sharply through midweek. By Wednesday, sunshine dominates and temperatures surge near 70 degrees across Charlotte, Greenville, and Spartanburg. Jackets will feel unnecessary by afternoon.
This warm stretch reflects a broader January 2026 pattern. Above-average temperatures expand across much of the eastern United States, while winter weather focuses farther north. To be fair, winter is not gone, just briefly sidelined.
Wednesday night stays calm and mild, with lows holding in the mid-40s. Thursday remains partly sunny and warm, peaking near the upper 60s. Outdoor plans thrive, and heating demand drops noticeably.
Changes arrive late Friday. Clouds thicken through the day, and rain chances increase after mid-afternoon. By Friday night, rain becomes likely, bringing wet roads and reduced visibility for evening travel. Plan extra time if heading out late.
Saturday remains unsettled. Periods of rain continue, especially before midday, with temperatures cooling into the upper 60s. While no winter weather is expected, slick roads could impact weekend travel.
Sunday brings gradual improvement. Sunshine returns, highs fall closer to 50, and overnight lows dip toward freezing inland. A brief frost remains possible early next week.
Meteorologists continue monitoring late-week trends closely as conditions may shift quickly.
Did the fog slow your commute this morning, or did sunshine break through faster in your neighborhood?
Five-Day Outlook for Charlotte, NC / Greenville-Spartanburg, SC
• Wednesday: Sunny, high near 70
• Thursday: Partly sunny, high near 68
• Friday: Cloudy, chance of rain late, high near 71
• Saturday: Rain likely early, high near 67
• Sunday: Mostly sunny, cooler, high near 50
