One more day of seasonable air before changes move in
Bitter cold air moving in late week
Weβre in for a big shift in our weather over the next few days, going from mild and dry to cold, snowy (for some), and downright bitter in the mountains.Β
Tonight, the air will turn noticeably drier, especially across the Piedmont. Humidity levels will drop into the low 20% range, whichΒ is a light concern for fireΒ danger.Β Winds will stay on the lighter side, so fireΒ danger remainsΒ low.Β Overnight lows will remain chilly in the lower 30s, under mostly clear skies.
Our attention then turns to Wednesday, when colder air and a storm system move in. Snow is expected to begin Wednesday afternoon in the highest mountain elevations along the Tennessee border.Β The most meaningful snowfall and travel impacts will stay mainly above 3,500 feet, while mountain valleys and nearby cities may see little to no accumulation.
The highest peaks of the Smokies could pick up around 4 to 8 inches of snow, with 3 to 6 inches possible on some of the other higher peaks, including areas near Mount Mitchell. Lower elevations will likely see much smaller amounts, if any at all.Β This is anΒ elevation-dependent setupΒ so evenΒ light snow combined with temperatures falling into the teens overnight could still lead to slick spots.
In theΒ Piedmont, temperatures will be too warm for snow at first. However, as colder air catches up late Wednesday night into early Thursday morning, a few flurries canβt be ruled out. Accumulation is not expected but seeing a few flakes wouldnβt be a surpriseΒ me.
Behind the snow, the cold really settles in. LateΒ tomorrowΒ night and early Thursday morning, strong winds in the higher elevations will push wind chill values down into the -5 to -15 degree range. That level of cold can be dangerous, so proper winter clothing will be essential in the mountains.
Thursday through the weekend stays much colder than normal. High temperatures onΒ Thursday will run 15 to 20 degrees below average, and cold nights will follow. Winds will relax a bit at night, but frigid conditions will stick around. There will be a slight warmup on Saturday, but it wonβt last long. By Saturday night into Sunday morning, dangerously cold wind chills could once again develop above 3,500 feet.
Looking ahead, another fast-moving weather system may bring light snow to the mountains late Friday night into the weekend.Β Stay tuned!
