Coldest air of autumn on its way to the Carolinas: Latest forecast

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Wednesday’s high temperatures once again climbed to about ten degrees above-average, but this autumn warm spell is about to come to an abrupt end.

The coldest air so far this season drops in for the end of the work week, and it will stick around over the weekend.

Changes start Thursday

On Thursday, a strong cold front will sweep across the Carolinas. With little moisture available, the chance of measurable rain has dropped to 20% to 30%.

A passing shower is possible around rush hour Thursday morning, although no impact to traffic is anticipated.

The best chance of showers will be in the mountains, and even there, rainfall totals will likely be less than a quarter-inch.

Highs Thursday afternoon will still be above-average before the front moves through, reaching the mid to upper 60s and low 70s. The exception will the mountains, where highs will only hit the upper 40s.

First Alert: Chilly weather coming

Strong winds and significantly colder air will charge in behind the cold front. Gusts over 30 MPH will be possible Thursday afternoon, and 20-25 MPH will continue Friday and Saturday.

Highs in Charlotte Friday through Tuesday will only reach the 50s, finally returning to near-average by Wednesday of next week.

The first frost of the season in Charlotte looks likely Saturday and Sunday mornings, and conditions will still be cold for kids heading out to the bus stop Monday morning.

First snow of the season

The cold air will combine with lingering moisture to produce snow showers in the mountains late Thursday night and Friday.

Accumulations will be modest: most likely less than an inch on lawns and rooftops in Ashe, Watauga and Avery counties.

Some of the highest peaks along the Tennessee-North Carolina state line could add up a few inches of snow for the first time this season.

Dry long-range forecast

Other than a very slight chance of some rain showers sneaking up from the south Monday night and Tuesday, the forecast remains dry through next week.

Long-range trends to point to a wet pattern returning in the days leading up to Thanksgiving.

Forecast at a glance

• Thursday: Light rain showers, breezy
• Friday and Saturday: Cold, mountain snow showers
• Sunday and Monday: Still cold!

Download the free WBTV Weather app on your mobile device to get weather alerts and the latest forecast on the go. You can also catch the latest forecast on WBTV’s streaming app -- find it in the app store on your smart TV or streaming device.