Mecklenburg County will get a brief warm-up before a sharp midweek plunge delivers the coldest air so far in 2026. Sunshine pushes Charlotte near 60 degrees Tuesday, but a cold front flips the script by Thursday.
Today, highs reach about 59 with a low near 39 as southwest winds bring milder air. Clouds increase Wednesday, and highs still reach about 57 before temperatures drop overnight.
By Thursday, colder air settles in fast. Charlotte only climbs to about 38, then falls to around 17 Thursday night, with wind chills into the single digits possible and a freeze warning likely.
One of the coldest nights of the Winter will happen Thursday night behind a cold front with frigid temperatures and wind chill values with widespread teens and single digits across the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia.#scwx #ncwx #gawx pic.twitter.com/0BpGvtEQmh
— NWS GSP (@NWSGSP) January 12, 2026
Moisture looks limited with this front, but a brief flurry or stray shower remains possible early Thursday.
Friday stays chilly but brighter. Charlotte rebounds to about 46 with sunshine, after the cold morning start.
Saturday warms again, with highs near 56. Then another front knocks readings down Sunday, with highs around 41.
For the Charlotte area, the biggest concern is Thursday night’s freeze and biting wind chills Friday morning. Bring pets inside, protect exposed pipes, and check on neighbors without reliable heat. If you travel to the mountains, plan for dangerous wind chills and slick spots where flurries develop.
If you moved here from Ohio or New York (like myself), you may be rolling your eyes, but if you’re from Florida or California, you might need to make some changes to prepare for the coming winter temperatures.
To prepare your car, top off all your fluids, especially your oil, power steering fluid, and antifreeze. You’ll also want to check your tires and make sure your air pressure is over 32 PSI.
To prepare your home, make sure to drain all fountains and exterior water fixtures. Always let at least one of your faucets drip to avoid freezing pipes. Consider buying a humidifier if you’re sensitive to dry air. If you have an older home with older windows, investing in some shrink film insulation will save you a ton on your heating bill.
To prepare yourself, buy some thermal gloves, a warm hat, and a winter jacket. If you’re going to spend any length of time outside, you may even want to consider buying an electric heating jacket.
If you have a pet – make sure to read our article about how to keep your furry friend warm!
