North Carolina may see its first significant snowfall of the season next week — right as Halloween approaches. Forecasters say a strong cold front and a southward-moving storm could bring wintry weather to the mountains.
The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued the first Freeze Warning of the season for several mountain counties, including Buncombe, Haywood, Madison, Swain, and Macon, along with parts of Burke, Caldwell, Graham, Jackson, and McDowell. Temperatures could dip to 29 degrees between 2 a.m. and 9 a.m. Friday.
The First Freeze Watch of the season has been issued for the northern mountains of NC Thursday night into Friday morning. Low temperatures are expected to get as low as 28°F. Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.#ncwx pic.twitter.com/kZ0AGEhnos
— NWS GSP (@NWSGSP) October 22, 2025
Meteorologists expect a cold-core low to drop south early next week, sending frigid air across the Appalachians. While rare before November, early snow has occurred in late October 2011 and 2012, according to weather records.
Residents should prepare for a hard freeze Thursday night into Friday morning, with frost likely through the weekend. By early next week, a dip in the jet stream may bring another surge of cold air, raising the possibility of snow showers in the mountains.
If you moved here from Ohio or New York, 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 weather.
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!
