Charlotte, North Carolina, January 29, 2026
Charlotte, North Carolina is gearing up for a winter weather event this weekend that could bring its first measurable snowfall in almost four years. Forecasts suggest snow may begin on Friday night, with a 75% chance during Saturday. Accumulations of up to 3 inches are expected, with travel and infrastructure impacts anticipated. Residents are advised to prepare for hazardous conditions as the storm approaches.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte Braces for Weekend Snow, Potential to End Multi-Year Dry Spell
Charlotte, North Carolina, is preparing for a significant winter weather event this upcoming Saturday, January 31, which could bring the city’s first measurable snowfall in years. Weather forecasts issued within the last 48 hours indicate a high likelihood of snow, marking a notable shift in the region’s recent winter patterns. This anticipated snowfall has the potential to break a nearly four-year streak without measurable snow at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Snowfall Expectations and Timing
Forecasters are predicting snow to begin on Friday night, January 30, and continue through Saturday, January 31, and into early Sunday, February 1. There is a 75% chance of snow during the day on Saturday and a 45% chance at night for Charlotte. Some models suggest approximately 8 centimeters (about 3 inches) of snow could fall on Saturday, followed by another 1.2 centimeters (about 0.5 inches) on Sunday. Specifically for Charlotte, there is a 40% chance of receiving at least an inch of snow.
A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for all of Central North Carolina, including Charlotte, covering Friday evening through Sunday afternoon. This watch warns of widespread snowfall amounts of 6 inches or more, with some areas potentially exceeding 10 inches, particularly along and east of the I-95 corridor. Residents should prepare for changing conditions as the precise track of the storm will determine localized accumulation totals. Bitterly cold temperatures are also expected, with Saturday’s daytime highs in Charlotte projected to be between 15°F (-9°C) and 25°F (-4°C), accompanied by dangerously low wind chills.
Anticipated Impacts and Preparations
The impending winter storm is expected to cause moderate to major impacts on travel and infrastructure across Central North Carolina from Friday night through early next week. Road conditions are likely to become hazardous, especially on bridges and overpasses. Authorities advise against non-essential travel during the peak of the storm. Scattered power outages are a possibility due to accumulation and gusty winds. Wind gusts of 25 to 35 mph are possible on Saturday and Sunday, which could lead to reduced visibility and blowing and drifting snow. Furthermore, after the event concludes, black ice will be a significant concern for several nights and early mornings following the snowfall.
Local emergency services and transportation departments are preparing for the storm, deploying resources for road treatment and potential response efforts. Residents are encouraged to finalize preparations, including securing emergency supplies, charging electronic devices, and ensuring heating systems are in working order.
Ending the Dry Streak
Charlotte has not experienced a measurable snowfall of 0.1 inches or more at its official reporting station, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, for nearly four years. The last time this occurred was in January 2022. While other parts of the North Carolina Piedmont, such as Statesville, Shelby, and Tarboro, received measurable snow and sleet earlier this month (January 24-25, 2026), Charlotte did not record sufficient accumulation to break its streak. This weekend’s forecast presents a strong opportunity to end this extended period without significant snow for the city.
Winter Weather Outlook
The broader winter outlook for the region indicates a persistently cold pattern for February 2026. This is consistent with a larger trend across the Southern Appalachians, where winter is expected to remain firmly in place. While the beginning of February 2026 was initially projected to be without snow in some forecasts, the most recent reports from within the last 48 hours show a significant change, with substantial snow chances for this upcoming weekend. Overall, the climate of Charlotte in February typically sees fewer than two snowy days on average. However, this current system represents an exceptional deviation from average conditions, bringing heightened potential for snow.
The community is advised to stay informed through official weather channels for the latest updates on this developing winter storm.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Charlotte Snow Event
- What is the main news regarding Charlotte’s weather?
- Charlotte, North Carolina, is preparing for potential measurable snowfall this upcoming Saturday, January 31, which could end a multi-year streak without significant accumulation.
- When is the snow expected in Charlotte?
- Forecasters are predicting snow to begin on Friday night, January 30, and continue through Saturday, January 31, and into early Sunday, February 1.
- What is the chance of snow in Charlotte on Saturday?
- There is a 75% chance of snow during the day on Saturday, January 31, and a 45% chance at night for Charlotte. There is also a 40% chance for Charlotte to receive at least an inch of snow.
- How much snow is expected?
- Some forecasts suggest approximately 8 centimeters (about 3 inches) of snow could fall on Saturday, January 31, followed by another 1.2 centimeters (about 0.5 inches) on Sunday, February 1. A Winter Storm Watch for Central North Carolina warns of widespread 6+ inches of snow, potentially exceeding 10 inches, particularly along and east of the I-95 corridor.
- What are the expected temperatures during the snow event?
- Saturday’s daytime highs in Charlotte are projected to be between 15°F (-9°C) and 25°F (-4°C). Bitterly cold temperatures with dangerously low wind chills are expected.
- What is the “dry streak” that could be broken?
- Charlotte has not experienced a measurable snowfall of 0.1 inches or more at Charlotte Douglas International Airport for nearly four years. This upcoming event could end that streak.
- What are the potential impacts of the snow?
- The storm is expected to cause moderate to major impacts on travel and infrastructure across Central North Carolina. Scattered power outages are possible, and strong, gusty winds may lead to reduced visibility and blowing snow. Black ice will be a significant concern after the event.
Key Features of the Charlotte Snow Event
| Feature | Details | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Event Type | Potential Measurable Snowfall | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Primary Timing | Saturday, January 31, 2026, extending into early Sunday, February 1, 2026 | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Chance of Snow (Saturday Day) | 75% chance of snow | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Chance of Snow (Saturday Night) | 45% chance of snow | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Chance of ≥ 1 Inch Snow | 40% chance | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Expected Accumulation (Charlotte specific) | Approximately 8 cm (3 inches) on Jan 31, 1.2 cm (0.5 inches) on Feb 1 in some forecasts. Winter Storm Watch for Central NC warns of widespread 6+ inches, potentially >10 inches east of I-95. | Charlotte, North Carolina / Central North Carolina |
| Daytime Temperatures (Saturday) | 15°F (-9°C) to 25°F (-4°C) | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Key Significance | Could break a nearly four-year streak without measurable snow at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Travel Impacts | Moderate to major impacts expected. | Central North Carolina |
| Power Outage Risk | Scattered outages possible. | Central North Carolina |
| Post-Event Hazard | Black ice concern for several nights and early mornings. | Central North Carolina |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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