Weather
North Carolina Freeze Warning Tonight: Lows Plunge to 28° Oct 17-18
Asheville, NC – The first widespread freeze of the fall season threatens Western North Carolina late Saturday, October 17, as temperatures plunge into the upper 20s and lower 30s across the mountains.
By Miles Carter · 2026-10-17T09:00:48.830Z
Asheville, NC – The first widespread freeze of the fall season threatens Western North Carolina late Saturday, October 17, as temperatures plunge into the upper 20s and lower 30s across the mountains. Residents face potentially damaging cold overnight, with freeze warnings and frost advisories taking effect early Sunday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Greenville Spartanburg, the coldest temperatures of the season so far are expected between Saturday night and Sunday morning. Freeze warnings and frost advisories are in effect from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. Sunday.
Asheville is forecast to fall to approximately 31 degrees, while nearby Waynesville could reach 29 degrees. Burnsville faces an even colder low near 28 degrees, with Newland around 30 degrees.
Other mountain communities, including Franklin and Robbinsville, could see temperatures near 32 degrees, while Brevard is expected to reach approximately 33 degrees.
Farther east, temperatures should remain slightly warmer, with Hickory near 38 degrees, Charlotte around 40 degrees and Greenville, South Carolina, near 42 degrees.
Freeze Could Damage Plants and Outdoor Plumbing
The Weather Service warns that freezing temperatures could damage or kill sensitive vegetation, particularly across higher elevations.
Residents should bring outdoor plants indoors or cover vulnerable vegetation before temperatures fall Saturday night.
Exposed outdoor pipes and irrigation systems may also need protection, especially in mountain communities where temperatures could remain below freezing for several hours.
Pet owners should ensure animals have a warm, sheltered place to stay overnight.
Conditions are expected to improve after sunrise Sunday as temperatures begin recovering.
October 22–26 Extended Weather Outlook
NOAA's Climate Prediction Center favors above normal temperatures across much of the eastern United States during October 22–26, including Western North Carolina.
The precipitation outlook also favors below normal rainfall across much of the Carolinas, suggesting a potentially warmer and drier weather pattern later next week.
Although individual cold nights remain possible, the extended outlook indicates a greater likelihood of above normal temperatures following this weekend's freeze.
Residents should monitor updated National Weather Service forecasts for local warning details and changing temperatures.