South Carolina – Cold rain taps against windows this morning, but a sharper change is already lining up across the Carolinas. Air feels heavier, winds turn brisk, and Winter Weather concerns rise quickly as a dangerous setup unfolds heading into the weekend.
A Winter Storm Watch is now in effect for much of Upstate South Carolina and western North Carolina, including areas near Greenville, Spartanburg, and Charlotte. According to the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg, confidence is increasing in a period of heavy mixed precipitation beginning Saturday morning and lasting into Monday afternoon.
Today stays relatively mild, but temperatures trend downward tonight and into Friday. Clouds linger, and damp ground sets the stage for problems later. By Saturday, colder air locks in while moisture surges north. Snow, sleet, and freezing rain may develop in waves, especially during the afternoon and evening.
Charlotte and surrounding Piedmont communities face a heightened freezing rain threat. Ice accumulations between one-quarter and one-half inch are possible. Even light ice can make roads treacherous and strain trees and power lines. Travel on I-77, I-85, and secondary roads could become dangerous quickly.
In the mountains of western North Carolina and northeast Georgia, snow and sleet totals may reach one to three inches, with locally higher amounts on ridges. Gusty winds may worsen impacts, leading to scattered power outages that could last into early next week.
By Sunday, conditions deteriorate further as freezing rain and sleet continue. Some areas may briefly change to snow before tapering late Sunday night. Any untreated surfaces could ice over again after dark due to flash freezing.
Looking ahead, colder-than-normal air lingers into next week across the Carolinas, with additional precipitation chances showing up in the 6–10 day outlook.
Planning to travel this weekend? Share what conditions look like where you live.
Five Day Outlook for Charlotte, NC
- Friday: Cool and cloudy. High near 48°F
- Saturday: Wintry mix developing. High near 32°F
- Sunday: Freezing rain and sleet likely. High near 30°F
- Monday: Improving but cold. High near 35°F
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny and cold. High near 36°F
