NORTH CAROLINA — There is a chance of snow in parts of North Carolina this week, but the risk varies significantly by location and elevation.
Forecasters say a surge of colder, polar air is expected to move into the Carolinas by midweek, bringing sharply colder temperatures beginning Wednesday night and lasting into Thursday.
In western North Carolina, especially in the higher elevations of the Appalachian Mountains, this colder air combined with limited moisture could support snow. Areas near and north of Asheville may see light snow, with higher elevations closer to the Tennessee border having the best chance for measurable accumulation, potentially up to an inch or more in isolated spots.
Farther east and south, including the North Carolina Piedmont and much of the coastal plain, snow is far less likely. Some locations, particularly in the northwest Piedmont and near the Virginia border, could see brief flurries, but significant accumulation is not expected at this time.
Another cold surge is possible later in the weekend. Forecast models currently disagree on whether enough moisture will be present to produce snow, making confidence low for any additional winter precipitation.
Temperatures statewide are expected to remain well below average, with strong winds increasing the risk of very cold wind chills, especially in the mountains.
The National Weather Service advises residents to monitor updated forecasts, particularly in western North Carolina, where small changes in temperature or moisture could affect snowfall potential.
