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Charlotte, NC Weather Alert: 31 MPH Gusts Today, Nov 12-16
Charlotte, NC – Gusty winds and a dramatic 37 degree temperature swing are setting up a sharp November weather change across the Charlotte metro area, with temperatures approaching freezing this weeke
By Grant Holloway · 2026-11-12T09:21:28.417Z
Charlotte, NC – Gusty winds and a dramatic 37 degree temperature swing are setting up a sharp November weather change across the Charlotte metro area, with temperatures approaching freezing this weekend.
Charlotte could reach 69 degrees Thursday before dropping toward 32 degrees Saturday night, bringing a significantly colder feel to Mecklenburg County and surrounding communities.
According to the National Weather Service in Greenville Spartanburg, Charlotte will see sunshine Thursday, but northwest winds could gust as high as 31 mph.
The changing weather pattern will bring colder air across the Carolinas heading into the weekend.
Thursday Friday: Gusty Winds Bring Colder Air Thursday begins with partly sunny conditions before skies become sunny by late morning.
Temperatures climb toward 69 degrees, making Thursday the warmest day of the five day period.
However, southwest winds of 10 to 17 mph will shift northwest during the afternoon.
Wind gusts could reach 31 mph, creating brisk conditions across open areas and exposed roadways.
Residents should secure lightweight outdoor decorations, trash containers and other loose objects before stronger gusts develop.
Thursday night temperatures fall toward 42 degrees, with west northwest winds continuing to gust near 24 mph.
Friday brings sunshine and a noticeably cooler high near 58 degrees.
Northwest winds of 8 to 10 mph could gust to 18 mph, maintaining a crisp November feel.
Saturday Sunday: Temperatures Approach Freezing Saturday brings another sunny afternoon, but temperatures will struggle to reach 54 degrees.
Northwest winds of 6 to 11 mph could gust to 21 mph.
The biggest change arrives Saturday night, when temperatures fall toward 32 degrees.
That places Charlotte directly at the freezing mark, raising concerns for sensitive plants, exposed outdoor plumbing and colder suburban neighborhoods.
Residents should bring potted plants indoors and protect vulnerable landscaping before Saturday evening.
Sunday morning could feel especially chilly, although the local forecast does not indicate widespread icy roads.
Sunday afternoon brings sunshine and a high near 56 degrees before temperatures fall toward 34 degrees Sunday night.
Cold Air Spreads Across the Carolinas The NOAA Weather Prediction Center expects polar air to spread across much of the eastern United States, bringing widespread frost and freezing temperatures into the Southeast.
Higher elevations of the southern and central Appalachians could also experience wet snow Friday night into Saturday morning.
However, Charlotte's local forecast remains dry, with no accumulating snowfall indicated through Monday.
Drivers traveling along Interstate 77, Interstate 85 and Interstate 485 should prepare for colder early morning conditions, especially near exposed bridges and elevated ramps.
As Thanksgiving approaches, residents should continue monitoring changing temperature trends and possible winter weather developments.
Charlotte Five Day Weather Outlook: Nov. 12 16 Thursday, Nov. 12: Becoming sunny, high 69°F. Wind gusts up to 31 mph. Low 42°F. Friday, Nov. 13: Sunny and cooler, high 58°F. Low 36°F. Saturday, Nov. 14: Sunny, high 54°F. Wind gusts up to 21 mph. Low 32°F. Sunday, Nov. 15: Sunny, high 56°F. Low 34°F. Monday, Nov. 16: Sunny, high 55°F. Low 34°F. Extended outlook: Tuesday brings sunshine and a high near 56 degrees, followed by a low around 34. Wednesday could reach 61 degrees.
Are you preparing your plants and outdoor spaces for Charlotte's first significant November cold snap? Tell us how low temperatures get in your neighborhood.