Charlotte, North Carolina, December 16, 2025
Amidst dangerously low temperatures and extreme wind chills, Charlotte’s cold weather shelters have reached full capacity over the last 48 hours. Local authorities, alongside aid organizations, have activated emergency protocols to safeguard the city’s vulnerable populations during this severe cold snap. The response includes expanded shelter capacity and free transportation to designated locations, essential for those in need of warmth and safety.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Cold Weather Shelters Reach Full Capacity Amidst Freezing Temperatures in Charlotte
Charlotte’s cold weather shelters have reached full capacity over the past 48 hours as dangerously low temperatures and extreme wind chills impacted the city. Local authorities and aid organizations have extended emergency protocols to ensure the safety of vulnerable populations during this severe cold snap.
Emergency Response and Collaboration
Mecklenburg County, in collaboration with the City of Charlotte, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management Office (CMEMO), Roof Above, The Salvation Army Center of Hope, and the Hearts for the Invisible Charlotte Coalition, extended extreme weather protocols through Tuesday, December 16. These protocols were activated in response to winter weather and a forecast of extreme cold.
Over the weekend, a cold weather advisory was issued by the National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC, valid from 5 p.m. Sunday, December 14, until 9 a.m. Monday, December 15. This advisory warned of very cold wind chills ranging from 6 to 10 degrees in Gaston, Mecklenburg, Cabarr, and Union counties. Officials noted that such very cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure.
On Monday, December 15, high temperatures in Charlotte likely did not reach the 40-degree Fahrenheit mark, with evening temperatures dipping into the 20s. AccuWeather data also indicated a low of 16 degrees Fahrenheit for December 15, and 32 degrees Fahrenheit for December 16. The current weather on Tuesday, December 16, sees sunny conditions with a temperature of 28 degrees Fahrenheit (-2 degrees Celsius), feeling like 23 degrees Fahrenheit (-5 degrees Celsius).
Expanded Shelter Capacity and Services
To accommodate the increased need for warmth and safety, emergency weather protocols included activating additional capacity at area homeless shelters. For men seeking refuge, Roof Above expanded its shelter services at its locations, with access available starting at 4:30 p.m. at 3410 Statesville Avenue in Charlotte.
Women and families in need of shelter were directed to The Salvation Army’s Center of Hope at 534 Spratt Street in Charlotte, which also expanded its capacity. Access for women and families was available between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Additionally, Block Love Charlotte extended its warming center hours on Sunday, December 14, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., providing warming essentials to those in need throughout the week.
Support for Unsheltered Individuals
Recognizing the challenges of accessing shelters, the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) provided free transportation to designated shelter locations. This service was available from Sunday, December 14, through Monday, December 15, requiring riders to simply identify their intended shelter destination to the bus driver.
Hearts for the Invisible Charlotte Coalition deployed street outreach teams to homeless encampments. These teams encouraged individuals living unsheltered to seek warmth in the shelters and provided winter weather supplies to those who chose not to leave their encampments.
Understanding Cold Weather Protocols
Extreme weather protocols are typically activated when temperatures, or the “felt” temperature, reach 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below for at least two hours. Activation may also occur when the forecast includes freezing precipitation, prolonged sub-zero temperatures, or significant wind concerns that could impact homeless encampments. Such measures are crucial during Charlotte’s winter months, as December often brings cold temperatures, with average daily highs decreasing from 58 degrees Fahrenheit to 52 degrees Fahrenheit and lows from 39 degrees Fahrenheit to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Historically, mid- to late December is one of the coldest periods in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused Charlotte’s cold weather shelters to reach full capacity recently?
Charlotte’s cold weather shelters reached full capacity due to dangerously low temperatures and extreme wind chills that impacted the city over the past 48 hours.
Which organizations are involved in the emergency response to the cold weather in Charlotte?
Mecklenburg County, the City of Charlotte, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management Office (CMEMO), Roof Above, The Salvation Army Center of Hope, and the Hearts for the Invisible Charlotte Coalition are collaborating in the emergency response.
What were the temperatures like in Charlotte during this cold snap?
A cold weather advisory for Sunday, December 14, warned of very cold wind chills ranging from 6 to 10 degrees. On Monday, December 15, high temperatures likely did not reach 40 degrees Fahrenheit, with evening temperatures dipping into the 20s. The current temperature on Tuesday, December 16, is 28 degrees Fahrenheit (-2 degrees Celsius), feeling like 23 degrees Fahrenheit (-5 degrees Celsius).
Where can men seek shelter during the cold weather in Charlotte?
Men can seek shelter at Roof Above, which expanded its services, with access starting at 4:30 p.m. at 3410 Statesville Avenue in Charlotte.
Where can women and families seek shelter during the cold weather in Charlotte?
Women and families can find expanded shelter capacity at The Salvation Army’s Center of Hope at 534 Spratt Street in Charlotte, with access between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Is transportation available to cold weather shelters?
Yes, the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) provided free transportation to designated shelter locations from Sunday, December 14, through Monday, December 15. Riders were required to inform the bus driver of their destination.
What support is offered to unsheltered individuals who decline to go to a shelter?
Hearts for the Invisible Charlotte Coalition deployed street outreach teams to homeless encampments to encourage individuals to seek shelter and provided winter weather supplies to those who chose not to leave their encampments.
Key Features of Charlotte’s Cold Weather Response
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Shelter Status | Cold weather shelters reached full capacity. | Local |
| Emergency Protocols | Extreme weather protocols extended through Tuesday, December 16. | Local |
| Temperature Impact | Wind chills from 6 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit; high temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. | Local |
| Collaborating Organizations | Mecklenburg County, City of Charlotte, CMEMO, Roof Above, Salvation Army Center of Hope, Hearts for the Invisible Charlotte Coalition. | Local |
| Shelter for Men | Roof Above (3410 Statesville Avenue) with expanded capacity from 4:30 p.m. | Local |
| Shelter for Women and Families | Salvation Army Center of Hope (534 Spratt Street) with expanded capacity between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. | Local |
| Additional Warming Centers | Block Love Charlotte extended hours on Sunday, December 14, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., providing essentials. | Local |
| Transportation | Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) offered free rides to shelters (Sunday, December 14, through Monday, December 15). | Local |
| Outreach Efforts | Hearts for the Invisible Charlotte Coalition deployed teams to encampments, providing supplies and encouraging shelter use. | Local |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Homicide Investigation Launched in Southeast Charlotte
Charlotte Hornets Collaborate with Honeywell for Smart Facilities
Charlotte Activates Extreme Weather Protocols for Homeless Support
Charlotte, North Carolina Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Winter Storm
Charlotte Fights Back Against Homelessness With Nonprofit Support
Charlotte Expands Salvation Army to Combat Homelessness
Winter Storm Wreaks Havoc Across the Intermountain West
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.
