Residents of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Lincoln, McDowell, Polk, and Rutherford Counties should prepare for a dramatic cold snap arriving over the Thanksgiving holiday. A strong cold front will sweep through Wednesday evening (Nov 26, 2025), bringing a sharp drop in temperatures and brisk winds. Here’s a step-by-step guide through the weather changes from Wednesday night into Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and the weekend:

Wednesday Evening (Nov 26): Cold Front Arrives

After an unseasonably warm Wednesday afternoon, conditions are changing quickly as I type this out (Thanksgiving Eve, 9:52 pm). A cold front has pushed through the region this evening. As it did, winds have shifted to the northwest and intensified, with gusts of 20–30 mph possible. Temperatures will begin falling rapidly once the front passes. Many foothill areas that reached the 60s or even low 70s earlier in the day will tumble through the 40s over the next two hours and will continue dropping overnight. Skies will clear out quickly behind the front. Anyone heading out late tonight should trade the light jacket for a winter coat, as it will feel much colder than the daytime. Also consider securing any outdoor decorations or trash bins, as the incoming gusty winds could knock over loose, lightweight items.

Thanksgiving Day (Thu Nov 27): Sunny, Breezy, and Much Colder

Overnight temperatures bottom out in the upper 20s to low 30s across the foothills by daybreak. Factor in a lingering breeze, and wind chill values early Thanksgiving morning will feel like the low 20s. If you’re heading out to a Turkey Trot, an outdoor Thanksgiving service, or just walking the dog, bundle up in layers; the cold will be biting.

Despite abundant sunshine on Thanksgiving Day, afternoon temperatures will struggle to climb. Highs will only reach the upper 40s to around 50°F in most foothill communities (well below the normal high near 60). A chilly northwest breeze around 10–15 mph (with occasional gusts up to 25 mph) will make it feel even cooler, keeping wind chill values in the 40s at best during the afternoon. So even though the sun is out, you’ll want a sweater or coat for any outdoor family football games or parades. The air will be dry, and roads will be clear, which is excellent news for those traveling on Thanksgiving, but the cold and wind are the main story.

By Thanksgiving evening, temperatures will fall quickly after sunset. Expect readings to drop back into the 30s by mid-evening, and with continued breezes, it will feel like the 20s. If you plan to venture out for any early Black Friday sales on Thursday night or have outdoor holiday gatherings, dress for a frosty night. Hats, gloves, and scarves will be essential to stay comfortable in the piercing chill.

Black Friday (Nov 28): Frigid Morning, Chilly Afternoon

Overnight lows early Friday will range from the mid to upper 20s, a hard freeze across the region. Skies will be clear, and winds should gradually subside, but any slight breeze at dawn could push wind chill readings down into the teens. For residents heading out before dawn to line up for Black Friday deals, extreme cold-weather gear is a must: a heavy coat, gloves, a warm hat, and perhaps a thermos of something hot to drink. Frost will be widespread – expect a thick layer on car windshields and lawns. Allow a few extra minutes to defrost your vehicle if you’re driving early.

By late Friday morning, sunshine will start to ease the sting a bit. Temperatures will climb out of the 20s, reaching the 40s by midday. The afternoon will be mostly sunny and crisp. Highs on Black Friday are forecast to reach roughly 45–50°F – still about 10°F below normal for late November. The good news is that winds will be lighter than on Thursday (generally 5–10 mph), so it won’t feel quite as harsh outside. This makes Friday afternoon a decent time for outdoor activities like hanging Christmas lights or going for a hike, as long as you stay bundled up. With dry roads and clear skies, travel conditions on Friday are excellent aside from the cold.

Friday evening, temperatures will drop quickly near freezing after sunset, then back into the 20s overnight. However, because the winds will calm, the night might feel slightly more comfortable than the previous one (no less cold, but less biting without the wind). If you’re attending any Friday night events (perhaps a high school playoff football game or a downtown tree lighting), dress in full winter attire. Calm conditions overnight will lead to another hard freeze going into Saturday morning, as temperatures will reach their coldest point during this cold snap.

Saturday (Nov 29): Clear and Cold, Calm Winds

Saturday morning will start bitterly cold once again. Many spots will wake up to lows in the lower 20s, and the coldest sheltered valleys could briefly dip into the upper teens. If you haven’t already, this is a good time to protect your home and loved ones from the cold: make sure outdoor pets have warm shelter, and let indoor faucets drip overnight to prevent any pipes from freezing. Any remaining late-season garden plants or sensitive vegetation will likely be damaged by these freezing temperatures, so cover them or bring potted plants indoors. Expect thick frost on Saturday dawn similar to Friday.

Fortunately, Saturday’s weather will be calm. High pressure will be overhead, leading to lighter winds and plenty of sunshine through at least the first half of the day. Temperatures will moderate slightly under the sunny skies, but still stay on the chilly side. Afternoon highs should reach the mid-40s across much of the area to maybe near 50°F, south of Highway 74. It’s another day where a jacket will be needed from morning to evening if you’re outdoors. The lighter wind will make it feel more pleasant than the previous two days, so activities like raking leaves or visiting a Christmas tree farm will be manageable with some warm layers on. By late day, some clouds may increase as the coldest air mass begins to move out, but no precipitation is expected during daylight.

Saturday night will not be quite as frigid as the prior nights, but it will still be below freezing. With partly cloudy skies, overnight lows should hold in the upper 20s to low 30s. If you’re out late Saturday, you’ll still want a coat, but the gradual warming trend aloft will prevent temperatures from free-falling as low as earlier.

Sunday (Nov 30): Complex Forecast: Winter Weather for the trip home? Cold and Raw

By Sunday Morning, the next frontal system will be approaching our area. Moisture could surge north ahead of this front and overrun the residual cold air mass. Let’s keep a very close eye on this. Some indications are that before the clouds overtake and blanket the area, temperatures fall into the upper 20s. By sunrise Sunday, those clouds will have moved in, and we expect temps to creep up into the low 30s. If moisture gets in here early enough, some wintery precipitation could be in store, especially along and north of I-40; a lot to be ironed out for this sector of the forecast. Warmer air surging aloft, though, makes this more of an ice situation than a snow or sleet precip type. Special attention to the mountains here, as we think you have the best chance at seeing accumulating ice so far—still a lot of work to do. Fortunately, the physical process of ice accretion actually provides latent heat. So with the source of the cold air moving away and no real supply of cold air moving in, any ice accumulations should be limited in totals and limited to Sunday Morning.

On Sunday afternoon, temperatures will remain cold, likely only reaching the 40s. With damp conditions and scattered showers, it will be a raw day. I would plan on turkey chili.

In summary, dry but cold conditions to take us through the holiday and into the holiday weekend. Potential for a winter mix early Sunday Morning.

Preparation Tips for the Cold Snap

• Dress in Layers: Break out the winter coats, hats, and gloves. If you’re heading out for Thanksgiving events, Black Friday shopping, or any outdoor activity, layer your clothing. You can always remove a layer if you warm up, but you’ll want that insulation when the wind picks up or the temperature drops.
• Protect People & Pets: Ensure elderly family members, neighbors, and young children are kept warm and dry, especially during the cold mornings. Bring pets indoors at night or provide them with warm shelter and bedding. Remember that if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pets.
• Secure Outdoor Items: Ahead of the Wednesday evening frontal passage, tie down or bring in any lightweight outdoor items. Holiday decorations, flags, garbage cans, and inflatables can be tossed around or damaged by sudden wind gusts. Secure them to prevent loss or injury.
• Safeguard Plants and Pipes: If you still have any fall plants or sensitive vegetation outside, cover them with frost cloth or old blankets during the overnight hours, or bring potted plants inside. Disconnect garden hoses and wrap any exposed outdoor pipes or faucets to prevent them from freezing during the hard freezes on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday mornings.
• Heating & Fire Safety: With the first real cold of the season, many will be turning up the heat. Inspect and prepare your heating sources – make sure fireplaces are clean, space heaters are used safely (keep them away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended), and your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. It’s a good time to change those batteries if you haven’t recently.
• Travel and Outdoor Caution: If you’ll be on the road, keep an emergency cold-weather kit in your car (blanket, flashlight, and some water/snacks), especially if traveling through the mountains where conditions can be even more severe. On Thanksgiving and Friday, be mindful of strong crosswinds on highways and overpasses. And if you’re planning to deep-fry a turkey outdoors or use any open flames, remember that windy, dry conditions can elevate fire risk – set up wind blocks and keep fire extinguishers handy just in case.

By following these preparations and staying aware of the forecast, residents across the Foothills can enjoy a safe and cozy Thanksgiving holiday despite the cold blast. The key is to plan ahead: dress warmly, protect your property, and take care of those who are vulnerable to the cold. Warmer days will return, but for now, get ready to gobble up some cold turkey weather along with your Thanksgiving feast! Stay warm, and have a happy Thanksgiving.