A few weak systems are moving through our area this weekend, and while we could see some snow, sleet, or even freezing rain at times, we’re not expecting anything major. Let’s break it all down.
Key Messages
1. Brief Wintry Mix Possible Early Saturday — Minimal Impacts
A short wave may bring a brief mix of snow, sleet, or rain early Saturday morning, mainly in the mountains and near or north of I‑40. Any impacts should be minor and limited to higher elevations.
2. Saturday Night–Sunday System Trending Low Impact
Another system may bring light rain or snow late Saturday night into Sunday, mainly outside the NC mountains. Any snow accumulation should be light, with little impact.
3. Colder Air Returns Early Next Week
Much colder air moves in early next week. Wind chills in the mountains may approach Cold Weather Advisory levels Monday night into Tuesday.
What to Know for Tonight into Saturday Morning
A small weather system is sliding by to our north tonight, and it may bring just enough moisture to mix snow, sleet, or rain early Saturday morning. This looks to happen between 4 AM and 9 AM — mostly across the mountains, and along and north of I-40, especially west of US-321.
If you’re in the mountains, especially above 3,500 feet, a light mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain is possible overnight. These are the areas most likely to see 1-2 inches, just enough to make a few back roads slick, especially bridges and shaded spots. For the rest of us, outside the mountains, anything that falls will be very light in the early morning hours of Saturday. The most likely timeframe would be between 4 am and 9 am.
We do not expect travel problems in most areas, and the roads will likely improve quickly as the sun rises and temperatures rise.
Why the Impacts Should Stay Small
Even though it’s cold enough for wintry weather, there’s not much moisture with this system that will make it east of the mountains. The best chance for snow or sleet will be on mountain ridgetops and in areas under northwest flow (places that usually get snow after a front passes). Ground temperatures are generally in the low 30s in the mountains to the upper 30s to near 40° across the lower elevations.
One more thing to note: gusty winds may pick up on the mountaintops late tonight, but we’re not expecting anything strong enough for wind advisories.
Next Up: Saturday Night into Sunday Morning
Another system will slide in from the south late Saturday night and into early Sunday. This one may bring a little more moisture, but the best support for rain or snow looks to stay to our south and east.
Some light snow or a rain/snow mix could develop late Saturday night into Sunday morning — mostly along and south/east of the I-85 and I-77 corridors (think southern Piedmont areas). The snow chance is real, but anything that sticks should stay under an inch, and even that may be a stretch.
Road impacts? Not likely. Even where flakes fall, they’ll be fighting a warm ground and a short window of opportunity.
Heads-Up: Cold Air Coming Early Next Week
After Sunday, a dry cold front will move through on Monday, bringing a shot of very cold air.
- Monday night into Tuesday morning, we’re expecting very chilly lows, especially in the mountains.
- Winds will make it feel even colder, with wind chills possibly reaching advisory levels — especially across the higher elevations of the mountains in western NC, northeast GA, and parts of the Upstate.
It’ll still be cold Tuesday night, but lighter winds should make it feel a little less harsh.
In Plain Terms: Here’s What to Expect
- Saturday morning: A short burst of snow, sleet, or rain — mostly in the mountains and nearby foothills. Light and quick. Not much to worry about.
- Saturday night into Sunday: A second system could bring some snow or rain — mainly to areas south and east of the mountains. Little to no accumulation expected.
- Next week: A blast of cold air moves in Monday night. Bundle up — it’ll feel like winter again.
No big winter storms are expected at this time, but as always, we’ll keep watching things closely. If anything changes, you’ll hear it from us first.