Charlotte, NC – Residents across North Carolina and South Carolina are preparing for a dramatic weather change as a warm, pleasant weekend gives way to the first hard freeze of the season by early Monday. The shift marks the end of the growing season for much of the region and ushers in an early taste of winter.
The Weekend Forecast: From Springlike Warmth to Chilly Nights
According to the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg, both states will enjoy a stretch of mostly sunny and mild weather through Saturday. Highs are expected to reach near 70°F, with a touch of springlike warmth spreading through the Piedmont and Upstate regions.
Light southwesterly winds will bring gentle breezes and pleasant afternoons. However, clouds are expected to thicken by Saturday evening as a weak cold front approaches from the west, bringing scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms, especially along the I-85 corridor from Gaffney to Gastonia and into the Charlotte metro area.
Meteorologists say this warm spell will make the temperature drop on Sunday night even more striking.
“We’re looking at a significant shift — almost a 30-degree drop in temperatures by Monday morning,” said a National Weather Service spokesperson.
Sunday’s Shift: Rain and Wind Before the Cold Arrives
Sunday will remain warm and breezy, with highs in the mid-70s, but by late afternoon, the cold front will sweep through, bringing spotty showers and a noticeable increase in wind speeds. As night falls, Arctic air will surge southward from the Great Lakes region, signaling the end of the mild stretch.
Forecasters warn that temperatures could fall into the upper 20s to low 30s across much of the Carolinas, producing the first widespread hard freeze of the season. The temperature swing will be especially sharp for areas like Charlotte, Rock Hill, and Spartanburg, which will experience a drop of nearly 30 degrees overnight.
The Hard Freeze: What Residents Should Expect
By early Monday morning, much of the region will wake to frosty conditions and frozen ground. The National Weather Service has advised residents to protect sensitive plants, drain outdoor hoses, and cover exposed pipes before temperatures dip.
The hard freeze will likely mark the official end of the growing season across the Piedmont and Upstate areas.
“Once we get this level of cold, it’s usually safe to assume the first frost cycle has begun,” forecasters said.
The morning commute on Monday could also be slick in rural and shaded areas, where moisture from weekend showers may refreeze overnight.
Five-Day Forecast for Charlotte, NC
- Friday: 69°F / 54°F – Mostly sunny; mild and pleasant.
- Saturday: 76°F / 56°F – Partly sunny; late-day showers possible.
- Sunday: 75°F / 40°F – Chance of rain; windy and cooling.
- Monday: 48°F / 30°F – Hard freeze early; sunny and cold.
- Tuesday (Veterans Day): 49°F / 37°F – Cold morning; crisp and sunny afternoon.
Meteorologists say the coldest morning will be Monday, with temperatures near freezing across central North Carolina and the northern tier of South Carolina.
Regional Impact and Precautions
The arrival of this Arctic air mass will be felt across both Carolinas, particularly in agricultural communities. Farmers and gardeners are urged to harvest or cover remaining crops and protect greenhouse plants.
The freeze advisory will remain in effect through early Monday, with the potential for another cold morning on Tuesday. By Veterans Day, however, the region should see brighter skies and slightly warmer afternoons, signaling a calm but crisp start to the new week.
Local officials also encourage residents to check on elderly neighbors and outdoor pets to ensure they are safe during the temperature drop.
Conclusion
After a warm, comfortable weekend, the Carolinas are bracing for a sharp blast of winter’s chill. The first hard freeze will bring frosty mornings, frozen gardens, and a reminder that the cold season has officially begun.
What do you think about this sudden weather change? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
