North Carolina greets the day under a hard winter chill as cold air grips the Charlotte region. Frost coats windshields, breath hangs thick in the air, and sidewalks feel stiff beneath hurried steps.
A Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect across Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Gaston, and Union counties through the morning. Temperatures near Charlotte sit around 18°F, while wind chills drop to 5–10 degrees. Prolonged exposure could lead to hypothermia. Dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and limit time outside when possible.
Early travel demands extra care. Bridges and overpasses along I-77, I-85, and I-485 may feel slick despite dry conditions. Shaded roads cool fastest, especially before sunrise. Allow extra stopping distance and watch for sudden icy patches where moisture lingered.
Sunshine helps later today, but the air stays crisp. Afternoon highs reach the upper 30s, offering modest relief without true warmth. Winds ease, yet the cold remains sharp enough to keep winter coats necessary through sunset.
Tonight brings another clear, cold setup. Temperatures slide into the mid-20s, setting the stage for frost again. Sensitive plants, outdoor pets, and exposed pipes should be protected before evening.
A noticeable shift arrives by Tuesday and Wednesday. Milder air builds steadily, pushing highs into the upper 40s Tuesday and the mid-50s by Wednesday. This warming trend signals a brief break from the early-season cold snap, though winter is far from finished.
By Thursday, clouds increase and rain becomes likely, introducing wet roads during evening travel. While temperatures stay above freezing, the combination of rain and cooling nights raises early concerns for slick spots later this week.
Five-Day Outlook for Charlotte
- Today: Sunny, cold, high 37°F
- Tuesday: Sunny, milder, high 49°F
- Wednesday: Partly sunny, high 56°F
- Thursday: Rain likely, high 61°F
- Friday: Sunny, cooler, high 55°F
