Spring making quite the entrance

AM Headlines:

• Gusty Winds
• Spotty Showers
• Mountain Snow
• Fire Danger Ramps Up
• Monday Storm Chances

We’re tracking a fast-moving cold front pushing through today bringing gusty winds and spotty showers. Rain totals stay light, but the wind could cause some issues. A wind advisory is in effect for the mountains and northern foothills through Friday morning with gusts 50-60 mph possible. Behind the front, much colder air spills in and sets up mountain snow tonight – mainly above 3500 feet. Snowfall totals could range from 1-3″ with locally higher totals near the TN border. Drier air will send relative humidity levels tanking, this along with gusts 30-40 mph and ongoing drought will increase the fire danger across the Foothills and Piedmont from 4-8 p.m.

Fire danger will remain a concern through the weekend. Friday will stay breezy with a cold start in the 20s and 30s warming to the mid 60s during the day, but the air will be very dry with humidity dropping to 15-25%, especially west of Charlotte where rainfall will be minimal. Saturday looks to be our highest concern for wildfires — warm, dry, and windy. Gusts could hit 35 mph, and with relative humidity levels as low as 15%, conditions could meet Red Flag Warning criteria in parts of the region.

We’ll get a brief break Sunday before the next system arrives Monday, bringing our next best chance for rain and a few gusty storms.