As Western North Carolina braces for another Arctic clipper system, it’s important to note that this event is shaping up to be a moisture-starved, quick-moving system with minimal impacts expected. Clipper systems, named for their speed reminiscent of 19th-century “clipper” ships, originate in the Canadian Prairies and traverse the United States, often delivering light snow and cold air in their wake.
Snow Drought in the Region
As Western North Carolina anticipates the arrival of a moisture-starved and swift-moving clipper system, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the region’s recent snowfall history. Several areas have experienced extended periods without measurable snowfall (defined as at least 0.1 inches):
It’s been an extended dry spell for measurable snowfall in a lot of the area!
Lincolnton, NC: The last recorded measurable snowfall was on January 16, 2022.
Hickory, NC hasn’t seen 1/10th of an inch of measurable snow since February 7, 2022, and Charlotte’s last measurable snow event was January 21, 2022.
Shelby, NC: The last measurable snowfall occurred on January 16, 2022.
Morganton, NC: The most recent measurable snowfall was on January 16, 2022.
Marion, NC: The last recorded measurable snowfall was on January 16, 2022.
Lenoir, NC: The previous measurable snowfall occurred on January 16, 2022.
Rutherfordton, NC: The last measurable snowfall was on January 16, 2022.
Taylorsville, NC: The most recent measurable snowfall happened on January 16, 2022.
This clipper may finally end this “snow drought,” albeit with very modest accumulations.
What to Expect From This Clipper System
- Light Snow Flurries: While radar returns tonight may suggest precipitation, most of what you see will likely be virga, precipitation that evaporates before reaching the ground. This is due to a layer of dry air locked near the surface.
- Timing: A few snow flurries are possible during the overnight hours, with the event clearing quickly by morning. Mainly between 10pm and 5am.
- Accumulations: Given the lack of moisture, only trace amounts of snow are expected outside of the mountains, with the mountains picking up on a couple of inches.
- Radar Returns Tonight: If you’re watching radar imagery tonight, expect to see scattered returns across Western North Carolina. However, with dry air entrenched at the surface, much of this precipitation will evaporate before reaching the ground, a phenomenon commonly associated with systems like this.
Behind the Clipper: Arctic Chill
The hallmark of a clipper system isn’t just the potential for light snow—it’s the bitterly cold air that follows. As the system moves eastward, frigid northwesterly winds will settle in. The temperatures in areas like Hickory, Marion, and Forest City will dip into the teens and low 20s, with highs barely breaking the 40s for much of the week.
- Tuesday’s lows range from 27°F in Lenoir to 32°F in Forest City.
- Highs on Wednesday will struggle to hit the mid-40s, with some areas like Shelby staying colder than average.
Highlights From the Forecast Graphics
- Northern Foothills (e.g., Hickory, Morganton, Lenoir): Highs around 39–40°F on Tuesday with a small chance for trace snow. Winds will blow from the northwest at 10–20 mph, enhancing the cold feel.
- Southern Foothills (e.g., Lincolnton, Cleveland): Slightly warmer, with highs peaking at 42–43°F on Tuesday. However, no significant precipitation is expected.
- Southwestern Foothills (e.g., Polk, Rutherford): Similar conditions with highs in the low 40s and clear skies following the morning flurry chance.
As we move into the weekend, a warming trend will bring highs back into the 50s, but colder nights will remain.
Fire Danger: Elevated Risk
Despite the moisture with this clipper, the underlying dryness of the region has heightened fire danger. Humidity levels will drop to 28% Tuesday afternoon, and gusty winds will persist at 10–20 mph, creating a High Fire Danger.
