Cold Outbreak for the Carolinas Likely Next Week

There has been lots of chatter about a potential winter storm just before Thanksgiving next week, but let Jesse and I clear the air by saying we are NOT expecting anything east of the mountains. However, one thing that models are locking onto is cold next Tuesday, the week of Thanksgiving (which is Thursday).

The coldest air will be over the western Carolinas including the mountains, and yes Jesse in eastern TN will be in on the potentially frigid air.

For the rest of us, we can expect a more winter-like airmass rather than fall. Temperatures could be some 10-15 degrees below normal, and in some spots even more so. Keep in mind, there will be wild temperature swings before then.

The Euro ensembles are one model set that is locking in on the cold for next Tuesday. However, Thanksgiving this year is looking average temperature-wise. Morning lows could be below freezing for the western Carolinas.

Any sustainable cold might not be available just yet, but we are seeing a blocking pattern taking shape next week. So, this could be the first in a series of cold shots and winter storm potentials. AGAIN: We are not saying snow next week for anyone east of the mountains!

Author: Michael Griffith

I have had a passion for the weather since a very young age and am a degreed meteorologist. I have a Bachelor of Science from Penn State University and a Master's from Plymouth State University. If you ever see me out and about in the Charlotte, NC area, be sure to say hi!