Carolinas, December 30, 2025
Residents in the Carolinas are bracing for plummeting temperatures and strong winds as a cold front sweeps through the region. North Carolina has issued wind and cold advisories, particularly for mountainous areas. In Charlotte, temperatures are expected to drop significantly, with wind chills reaching as low as -10°F in certain counties. As New Year’s Eve approaches, locals are advised to prepare for challenging weather, including potentially hazardous travel conditions and increased risks of wildfires due to high winds and low humidity.
Charlotte, NC – Carolinas Brace for Plummeting Temperatures and Strong Winds Ahead of New Year’s Eve
Residents across the Carolinas are experiencing a significant shift in weather, as a strong cold front has brought dramatically colder temperatures and gusty winds to the region over the last 48 hours. Forecasts indicate that this cold air mass will establish dry and seasonably chilly conditions for New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Widespread Cold and Wind Advisories Issued
In North Carolina, authorities have issued wind and cold weather advisories for various mountainous areas. Specifically, a High Wind Warning was in effect for Avery County from December 29, 2025, at 1 PM EST until December 30, 2025, at 7 AM EST. During this period, northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts reaching up to 60 mph were expected. Such powerful winds pose a risk of blowing down trees and power lines, potentially leading to widespread power outages and making travel particularly challenging for high-profile vehicles.
Additionally, a Wind Advisory covered Western North Carolina, including Caldwell Mountains, Burke Mountains, McDowell Mountains, Mitchell, and Yancey Counties, active from December 29, 2025, at 1 PM EST until December 30, 2025, at 7 AM EST. These areas anticipated northwest winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 55 mph. These gusty conditions could displace unsecured outdoor objects and lead to fallen tree limbs, possibly resulting in localized power interruptions. Drivers were advised to exercise extra caution.
Beyond wind, a Cold Weather Advisory was also issued for Ashe, Watauga, and Avery Counties in North Carolina, where wind chill values were expected to plunge to -5°F, and potentially as low as -10°F, emphasizing the severe cold impacting these areas.
Charlotte and Piedmont Region Temperature Details
In Charlotte, North Carolina, the recent temperature fluctuations have been notable. On Tuesday, December 30, 2025, the high temperature was expected to be around 44°F, a nearly 20-degree drop from Monday’s high. Overnight lows for both Monday, December 29, 2025, and Tuesday, December 30, 2025, were projected to fall well below freezing, settling in the mid-20s. Wind gusts in the Charlotte area were anticipated to reach up to 32 mph, contributing to significantly colder conditions, with wind chills around 19°F on Monday night in Charlotte and Rock Hill. As New Year’s Eve approaches, temperatures in Charlotte are predicted to be around 36°F to 38°F at midnight. The drastic temperature reduction followed an extended period of milder conditions, underscoring the abrupt change brought by the cold front.
South Carolina Weather Overview
South Carolina is also experiencing the effects of this colder air. In Columbia, South Carolina, the night low on Monday, December 29, 2025, was 30°F. For Tuesday, December 30, 2025, the forecast indicated a high of 48°F and a night low of 30°F. Looking ahead to New Year’s Eve on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, Columbia expects a high of 54°F and a night low of 37°F. Precipitation in Columbia for these days remained relatively low, with 0.01 inch on December 29, 2025, 0.18 inch on December 30, 2025, and 0.1 inch on December 31, 2025.
Across South Carolina, the average air temperature for December typically ranges from 61°F during the day to 41°F at night. However, the current conditions represent a departure from these averages, with overnight lows potentially dropping 5 to 10 degrees below normal across the Carolinas.
Impacts and Safety Recommendations
The combination of brisk, gusty winds and low relative humidity presents an increased risk of wildfires across the Carolinas. This concern is amplified by a broader winter outlook for 2025-2026, which suggests below-normal precipitation and an elevated risk of wildfire due to persistent La Niña conditions and existing drought across the Carolinas. Residents are encouraged to take precautions to prevent fires and stay updated on local fire risk advisories.
In light of the plummeting temperatures and strong winds, particularly in the mountainous regions, residents and travelers in the Carolinas are advised to take necessary safety measures. This includes dressing in layers, securing any outdoor objects that could be moved by strong winds, and exercising caution when driving, especially those operating high-profile vehicles. Preparing for potential power outages in areas under high wind warnings is also recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the current weather situation in the Carolinas?
- The Carolinas are experiencing a significant drop in temperatures and gusty winds, leading to dry and seasonably chilly weather for New Year’s Eve plans.
- Are there any weather advisories in effect for the Carolinas?
- Yes, wind and cold weather advisories have been issued for the North Carolina mountains. A High Wind Warning was in effect for Avery County from December 29, 2025, at 1 PM EST until December 30, 2025, at 7 AM EST, with northwest winds 25 to 35 mph and gusts up to 60 mph expected. A Wind Advisory was also in effect for Caldwell Mountains, Burke Mountains, McDowell Mountains, Mitchell, and Yancey Counties, with northwest winds 15 to 25 mph and gusts up to 55 mph expected during the same period. A Cold Weather Advisory was issued for Ashe, Watauga, and Avery Counties, where wind chill values were expected to be as low as -5°F, potentially down to -10°F.
- What are the expected temperatures in Charlotte, NC?
- On Tuesday, December 30, 2025, the high temperature in Charlotte was expected to be around 44°F. Nightly lows on Monday, December 29, 2025, and Tuesday, December 30, 2025, were projected to be well below freezing, in the mid-20s. Wind chills in Charlotte and Rock Hill were around 19°F on Monday night. For New Year’s Eve, temperatures in Charlotte are predicted to be around 36°F to 38°F at midnight.
- What are the expected temperatures in Columbia, SC?
- For Monday, December 29, 2025, the night low in Columbia, SC, was 30°F. On Tuesday, December 30, 2025, the forecast for Columbia included a high of 48°F and a night low of 30°F. New Year’s Eve on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, is expected to have a high of 54°F and a night low of 37°F in Columbia.
- What are the primary safety concerns due to the current weather?
- The combination of brisk, gusty winds and low relative humidity increases the risk of wildfires across the Carolinas. Additionally, strong winds in warning areas can cause power outages and make driving difficult. Extreme cold in advisory areas poses risks for exposure.
Key Weather Features in the Carolinas (December 29-31, 2025)
| Feature | Description | Geographic Scope | Dates/Times |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature Drop | Dramatic plummeting temperatures behind a strong cold front. Nightly lows well below freezing in the mid-20s in Charlotte. | Carolinas (State-level), Charlotte, NC (City-level) | December 29-30, 2025 |
| New Year’s Eve Forecast | Dry and seasonably chilly weather. Temperatures in Charlotte around 36°F to 38°F at midnight. | Carolinas (State-level), Charlotte, NC (City-level) | December 31, 2025 |
| High Wind Warning | Northwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. Potential for damaging winds, power outages, and difficult travel. | Avery County, NC (State-level) | December 29, 2025, 1 PM EST – December 30, 2025, 7 AM EST |
| Wind Advisory | Northwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 55 mph expected. Potential for unsecured objects to blow around, fallen tree limbs, and difficult driving for high-profile vehicles. | Caldwell Mountains, Burke Mountains, McDowell Mountains, Mitchell, and Yancey Counties, NC (State-level) | December 29, 2025, 1 PM EST – December 30, 2025, 7 AM EST |
| Cold Weather Advisory | Wind chill values expected to be as low as -5°F, potentially down to -10°F. | Ashe, Watauga, and Avery Counties, NC (State-level) | December 29-30, 2025 |
| Charlotte Wind Chills | Around 19°F. | Charlotte and Rock Hill, NC (City-level) | Monday, December 29, 2025, night |
| Columbia, SC Temperatures | Dec 29 Night: 30°F. Dec 30 Day: 48°F, Night: 30°F. Dec 31 Day: 54°F, Night: 37°F. | Columbia, SC (City-level) | December 29-31, 2025 |
| Wildfire Risk | Increased risk due to brisk, gusty winds and low relative humidity. | Carolinas (State-level) | Ongoing |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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