South Carolina — Wrapping paper crunches underfoot as short sleeves replace sweaters this morning. The air feels more like spring than Christmas, and sunshine quickly boosts temperatures across the Carolinas.
A surge of unusually warm air has settled over the region, pushing highs 20 degrees above normal for late December. Cities across the Upstate and western Carolinas are flirting with near-record warmth. Asheville reaches near 70 degrees, while Charlotte climbs into the mid-70s. The Greenville–Spartanburg area (GSP) peaks around 75 degrees, ranking among the warmest Christmas Days on record.
This warmth reshapes holiday plans. Outdoor gatherings feel comfortable, patios stay busy, and post-Christmas travel remains free of winter hazards. Roads stay dry, and no frost or freeze concerns appear today. To be fair, it feels strange for December, but many will welcome the break from coats and gloves.
Winds stay light, and skies remain mostly clear. The warmth builds steadily through the afternoon before easing after sunset. Tonight stays mild, keeping temperatures well above seasonal averages.
Looking ahead to weekend travel, changes begin to emerge. Clouds gradually increase, and temperatures start trending downward. While Saturday remains relatively mild, cooler air pushes in by Sunday, signaling a return toward winter patterns. By Monday, December 29, highs fall sharply, especially in the mountains, where colder air arrives first.
Meteorologists note this pattern shift could reopen the door to rain or even snow chances in parts of western North Carolina as colder air deepens next week. Nothing significant is locked in yet, but the transition matters for travelers heading back home after Christmas.
Plan ahead:
• Enjoy outdoor plans today, but dress for changeable evenings.
• Monitor forecasts if traveling into the mountains late weekend.
• Expect winter weather conversations to return next week.
For now, Santa delivered warmth instead of cold. Winter, however, appears ready to reclaim the calendar soon.
