South Carolina — A crisp bite greets the early morning as winter officially arrives, with cold air pooling in valleys and frost clinging to windshields. The sky stays calm and quiet now, but change is already underway across the Carolinas.
Temperatures start in the mid-30s near Charlotte and parts of the Upstate, with lows near freezing in rural areas. Calm winds help the chill settle, and patchy frost is possible on untreated surfaces. Drivers should watch bridges and shaded roads during the early commute.
Clouds increase through the day, but dry air keeps rain away. Afternoon highs recover into the upper 50s, easing the cold quickly. By tonight, skies clear again, allowing temperatures to fall back near 31 degrees in colder spots. Sensitive plants may need protection.
Monday stays cool but stable, with highs near 52 degrees and increasing clouds. The bigger shift arrives Tuesday. Sunshine returns, southwest winds pick up slightly, and highs jump into the low 60s. The air feels noticeably milder by afternoon.
Midweek brings a full holiday warm-up. Wednesday turns sunny and warm, reaching the upper 60s. Christmas Day follows suit, with highs near 69 degrees under mostly sunny skies. Travel conditions look favorable across I-85, I-77, and surrounding routes, with no precipitation expected.
This pattern fits a broader December trend. Winter arrives on the calendar, but warmth dominates much of the Southeast. No snow or ice is expected, though early-morning cold snaps can still create brief slick spots.
Plan morning travel with caution today and tonight. Keep layers handy early, then shed them by afternoon. How different does this first day of winter feel compared to years past?
Five-Day Outlook: Greenville–Spartanburg / Charlotte Region
- Today: Increasing clouds, high near 59
- Monday: Increasing clouds, high near 52
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 62
- Wednesday: Sunny, high near 68
- Christmas Day: Mostly sunny, high near 69
