First Alert: Freezing temperatures ahead before a warmup in the Carolinas

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - We are giving you the First Alert for a cold weekend across the Carolinas, with temperatures near freezing in Charlotte by Sunday morning. It’s a good time to protect sensitive plants and make sure pets have a warm place to stay.

Saturday afternoon brings plenty of sunshine to Charlotte, but you’ll still want a jacket. Temperatures will reach into the mid 50s with a northwest breeze around 10 mph and a near-zero chance of rain.

First Alert: A freezing start Sunday

Clear skies Saturday night will allow temperatures to drop to around 30 degrees in Charlotte by Sunday morning. A freeze is likely, and patchy frost is possible. Colder spots across the region could dip into the 20s.

Sunday afternoon will be sunny, with highs near 60 and a lighter breeze. Monday morning will be cold again, with temperatures around 30 degrees in Charlotte. Bundle up before heading to the bus stop or starting the morning commute.

Mountain snow winds down

Snow along the North Carolina-Tennessee border is expected to taper off by midmorning Saturday. The highest elevations of the Smokies, above 4,500 feet, could pick up another 1 to 3 inches before it ends. Other spots outside the Smokies could see up to an additional inch.

If you’re traveling in the mountains, check local conditions before heading out. Gusty winds may linger in parts of the mountains into Sunday before easing.

A warmer week ahead

We are alerting you to a gradual change next week. Sunshine and dry weather are expected to stick around through much of the week, with Charlotte highs near 60 on Tuesday and near 70 by Wednesday and Thursday.

Highs could reach around 70 on Friday and stay near 70 through the following weekend. Rain chances remain low through the 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

• Saturday: Cold, still breezy
• Sunday and Monday: Cold, not as windy
• Tuesday and Wednesday: Dry, near-average highs

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