North Carolina and Georgia Face One of Winter’s Coldest Nights as Arctic Air Drives Temperatures Into Single Digits
NORTH CAROLINA & GEORGIA — One of the coldest nights of the winter season is expected to unfold Thursday night into early Friday as a strong cold front sweeps across western North Carolina and northeast Georgia, allowing Arctic air to settle over the region.
Forecast data shows overnight low temperatures dropping into the teens and single digits across much of the western Carolinas, with some higher-elevation and mountain communities falling even lower. This marks a sharp return to mid-winter conditions following milder days earlier in the week.
Wind Chills Make Conditions Feel Even More Dangerous
While actual air temperatures will already be bitterly cold, wind chill values are expected to make conditions feel even harsher, especially overnight and during the early morning hours Friday.
Minimum wind chills are forecast to dip into the single digits across much of western North Carolina, with near-zero or sub-zero wind chills possible in mountain locations. Gusty winds behind the cold front will prevent temperatures from rebounding quickly, increasing the risk of cold-related exposure.
Coldest Impacts Concentrated in Mountain and Foothill Communities
The most extreme cold is expected in mountain and foothill regions of North Carolina, where several towns are forecast to see overnight lows in the single digits, with wind chills potentially falling below zero. Areas farther east, including parts of central North Carolina, will still see teens overnight, which is well below seasonal averages.
In northeast Georgia, temperatures are also expected to drop sharply, with teens common overnight and wind chills making it feel significantly colder, particularly in elevated terrain.
Friday Morning Commute to Feel Brutal
The coldest conditions are expected late Thursday night through early Friday morning, coinciding with the morning commute. Residents should prepare for dangerous cold exposure, especially those spending extended time outdoors, commuting early, or working outside.
While no significant winter precipitation is associated with this cold outbreak, the intensity of the cold itself is the primary concern, particularly for vulnerable populations, pets, and exposed plumbing.
What to Know and How to Prepare
Forecasters urge residents across North Carolina and northeast Georgia to take precautions, including layering clothing, limiting outdoor exposure, protecting pets, and ensuring homes are prepared for freezing temperatures. Even brief exposure in these conditions can become dangerous due to the combination of cold air and wind.
NapervilleLocal.com will continue tracking significant winter weather developments across the U.S. and provide timely updates as conditions evolve.
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