North Carolina Braces for Brutal Cold Friday Morning as Arctic Air Pushes Temperatures Into the Teens and Single Digits

North Carolina — A sharp surge of Arctic air is set to grip western North Carolina late this week, with Friday morning expected to be the coldest point of the stretch as temperatures plunge well below normal and dangerous wind chills dip to subzero levels in some areas. Forecasters warn that the cold will begin building Wednesday night, peak Friday morning, and may not fully ease before the weekend.

Weather data indicates this cold snap will be both intense and persistent, raising concerns for travel, outdoor exposure, and vulnerable populations across the western Carolinas.

Coldest Temperatures Expected Friday Morning

Forecast graphics show Friday morning as the coldest period, with Asheville dropping to around 10 degrees and Greenville-Spartanburg near 18 degrees. These readings reflect the core of the cold air mass, which will settle in after a reinforcing push of cold air late Thursday night.

High temperatures on Thursday are expected to remain stuck in the 30s, offering little daytime recovery before overnight lows plunge again. Forecasters caution that even areas that typically avoid extreme cold may experience near-record morning lows for this time of year.

Wind Makes Conditions Feel Even Colder

In addition to the raw temperatures, breezy northwest winds will play a major role in worsening conditions. Gusts will create wind chill values well below zero, particularly in higher elevations and exposed areas.

These wind chills can make frostbite possible on exposed skin in a short amount of time, especially during early morning hours. Officials stress that wind-driven cold is often more dangerous than temperature alone, particularly for anyone commuting, working outdoors, or waiting at bus stops before sunrise.

Cold May Linger Into the Weekend

While Friday morning appears to be the coldest point, some forecast guidance suggests the cold may not be finished. Additional reinforcing cold air could arrive over the weekend, keeping temperatures below seasonal averages longer than initially expected. This extended duration increases the risk of frozen pipes, vehicle issues, and heating-related problems, especially for homes not accustomed to prolonged cold.

Safety Concerns for Communities and Travelers

The combination of extreme cold and lingering breezes poses risks for residents, travelers, and outdoor pets. Mountain communities are especially vulnerable due to elevation, exposure, and limited overnight warming.

Emergency officials typically advise residents to limit time outdoors, dress in layers, protect pets, and check on elderly neighbors during these conditions. Drivers should also be prepared for hard starts, reduced tire pressure, and icy patches, particularly during early morning hours.

Why This Cold Wave Matters Beyond the Carolinas

Meteorologists note that this cold outbreak is part of a broader winter pattern affecting much of the eastern United States, including the Midwest. While Illinois residents are accustomed to winter cold, systems like this demonstrate how deep Arctic air can penetrate far south, creating dangerous conditions in regions less prepared for extreme cold.

For weather watchers nationwide, this event underscores that January remains a volatile winter month, capable of producing sudden and severe cold outbreaks.

Residents across western North Carolina should stay alert for updated cold weather advisories and take precautions ahead of Friday morning. For continued coverage of significant weather patterns and how national systems connect back to Illinois conditions, stay informed with NapervilleLocal.com.