Cold air moving in, showers still possible: Charlotte forecast

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Brief rain showers Thursday morning marked the beginning of a significant drop in temperatures for the Carolinas, and the cold air is likely to stick around into next week.

Temperatures already dropping

The high temperature on Thursday reached the low 70s early in the afternoon, but temperatures steadily dropped the rest of the day. Temperatures will fall to the 30s and low 40s by early Friday morning.

Cool and breezy conditions will persist throughout the day on Friday, with highs only reaching the 50s in most locations.

Winds will gust over 20 MPH for much of Friday afternoon, with similar conditions on Saturday, making it feel even chillier.

Showers still possible Friday

One last round of showers will be possible late in the day on Friday. While these won’t amount to much, plan on grabbing a rain jacket before heading out Friday evening.

The rain showers will mix with and change over to snow showers in the mountains, with the snow showers continuing Friday night. Most communities won’t see anything more than a slushy dusting on lawns and rooftops, although some of the highest peaks could pick up a few inches of accumulation.

First Alert: Cold weather coming

The first frost of the season in Charlotte looks likely Saturday morning, then first freeze will occur Sunday morning. Conditions will still be cold for kids heading out to the bus stop Monday morning.

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

Very few rain chances in sight

The forecast remains dry through next week. Long-range trends point to a wet pattern returning in the days leading up to Thanksgiving.

Forecast at a glance

• Friday: Cool and breezy, late showers
• Saturday: Cold, still breezy
• Sunday and Monday: Cold, not as windy

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