North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia Brace for Dangerous Wind Chills as Western North Carolina Becomes Coldest Spot in the U.S.
NORTH CAROLINA — A powerful burst of Arctic air is set to make Western North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia some of the coldest locations in the entire country on Sunday night, with wind chills plunging well below zero in the higher elevations and teens across the broader region.
Wind Gusts up to 40 MPH Driving Temperatures into Dangerous Territory
According to the latest forecast data, wind gusts nearing 40 mph combined with rapidly falling temperatures will create wind chills between -5°F and -12°F in the North Carolina mountains, marking the coldest conditions in the United States Sunday evening.
Outside the mountains, the setup remains harsh. The Carolinas and northern Georgia will feel widespread teens and low 20s by early evening, with single-digit apparent temperatures in some areas, especially where winds remain strongest.
Sharp Overnight Temperature Drop Expected Across Multiple Cities
Once winds begin to ease later Sunday night, temperatures will still fall dramatically across several major cities:
- Asheville: 7°F
- Greenville: 17°F
- Charlotte: 16°F
- Atlanta: 19°F
These numbers represent the coldest readings so far this December, and forecasters warn that the combination of early-season Arctic air and strong winds will create hazardous outdoor conditions.
Monday Remains Chilly with Slow Recovery
Even after the most extreme wind chills fade, Monday’s temperatures will struggle to climb out of the 30s across much of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Mountain areas may remain below freezing for an extended period.
Meteorologists note that cold outbreaks this intense — especially before winter officially begins — can increase risks for exposed people, pets, and infrastructure. Pipes, especially in older homes or poorly insulated buildings, may become vulnerable to freezing.
Safety Reminders as the Region Experiences Extreme Early-Season Cold
Forecasters across the Southeast are urging residents to take precautions:
- Bring pets indoors, including outdoor-only animals
- Protect pipes, especially overnight
- Check on elderly neighbors and vulnerable family members
- Ensure outdoor faucets and irrigation systems are turned off or insulated
The wind chill map also highlights how sharply temperatures change across the region, reinforcing that the Western North Carolina mountains will be ground zero for the most dangerous cold, falling far below typical mid-December levels.
As the week progresses, temperatures are expected to slowly moderate, but forecasters warn that another round of Arctic air may follow later in the month, based on long-range patterns.
For continuing updates on major U.S. weather developments, stay with NapervilleLocal.com.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.