Charlotte NC, January 16, 2026
The Carolinas are under a cold snap with bitter overnight temperatures impacting residents. Snow is anticipated over the weekend, especially on Sunday, affecting Charlotte and surrounding areas. Meteorologists are monitoring weather patterns as conditions have shifted from warmer December weather to potential wintry precipitation, particularly in the mountains of North Carolina and near the Tennessee border. Residents are encouraged to stay updated on forecasts and prepare for potential travel disruptions as snow becomes more likely.
Charlotte, North Carolina
The Carolinas are currently experiencing a significant cold snap, with bitterly cold overnight temperatures impacting residents across the region. Forecasts indicate a notable chance of snow for the upcoming weekend, particularly on Sunday, affecting Charlotte and a wide surrounding area.
This weather shift brings not only frigid air but also the potential for winter precipitation. The immediate forecast highlights continued bitterly cold conditions overnight across the Carolinas. For the mountainous regions of North Carolina, the weather impact forecast includes bitter cold, gusty winds, and snow.
Meteorologists are closely monitoring the developing situation, with snow chances for Sunday being assessed using probability-based guidance for Charlotte and much of the surrounding area. While temperatures in Charlotte were recently well above freezing, some residents did observe snow. However, the current outlook points to more widespread potential for winter weather. There is a possibility of light snow along the Tennessee border.
Developing Weather Pattern
This cold spell marks a distinct change from recent weather trends in the Carolinas. Earlier patterns in November saw a cooler weather trend settling across the Carolinas. On November 10, 2025, a trace of snow in Charlotte tied for the fifth-earliest recorded occurrence. Despite this early snow, previous periods in November and December 2025 were characterized by warmer and drier conditions, with a warm and dry pattern sticking around. There were even reports of three record-high temperatures in late December 2025. West winds brought much warmer air across the Carolinas at that time.
However, a pattern flip was anticipated, with expectations of cooler air settling in. A dry cold front was observed pushing through the area, leading to mostly cloudy skies, some patchy fog developing overnight, and cooler conditions. Despite some fluctuations, the current outlook suggests a more typical January weather pattern is taking hold, characterized by cold temperatures and potential for wintry precipitation, rather than extreme cold or widespread severe snow threats. Cold air damming is also contributing to even cooler temperatures.
Residents are advised to stay informed about the latest weather updates and prepare for cold conditions and potential travel impacts over the weekend as the possibility of snow increases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the current weather conditions in the Carolinas?
The Carolinas are experiencing bitterly cold overnight temperatures.
Is there a chance of snow this weekend?
Yes, there is a significant chance of snow this upcoming weekend, particularly on Sunday, affecting Charlotte and a wide surrounding area.
Which areas are most likely to see snow?
Charlotte and much of the surrounding area have snow chances for Sunday. The mountainous regions of North Carolina also have a weather impact forecast that includes snow. Light snow is also possible along the Tennessee border.
What kind of cold is expected in the mountains?
The weather impact forecast for the NC mountains includes bitter cold and gusty winds, in addition to snow.
Has Charlotte seen snow recently?
Yes, temperatures were recently well above freezing, but some people in Charlotte did observe snow.
Key Weather Features in the Carolinas
| Feature | Description | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Current Temperatures | Bitterly cold overnight temperatures | Carolinas |
| Snow Chances | Significant chance of snow this weekend, especially Sunday | Charlotte and wide surrounding area |
| Mountain Weather | Bitter cold, gusty winds, and snow | NC mountains |
| Additional Snow Areas | Light snow possible | Tennessee border |
| Past Snowfall | Trace of snow in Charlotte tied for 5th-earliest on November 10, 2025 | Charlotte |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
