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NEAR RECORD COLD EXPECTED THIS WEEKND; UNUSUAL PATTERN FOR MAY
- ncwxauthority
- May 7, 2020
- 3 min read
Weather whiplash temperatures will crash 15-25° below normal Friday night into Sunday, the coldest air in May since 2004, with temperatures normally seen in November and December. A vigorous cold front will move through late Friday afternoon and evening ushering in the very chilly air for May. Highs will struggle to get out of the 50s and low 60s on Saturday for many. Near-record lows expected Saturday night across the state. A Freeze is likely in the mountains Friday night and a Frost and another Freeze expected for some Saturday night. Take steps now to protect plants and crops west of Raleigh for Friday and Saturday night this weekend.
Friday will be partly sunny in the morning with increasing clouds in the afternoon and evening, the chance of rain will be likely mid-afternoon across the west and push east through the evening. A few showers will be the main event Friday afternoon through the early evening on Friday. Highs will be in the 60s and 70s with 50s in the mountains. Light snow possible in the mountains Friday evening, mainly above 3,500ft.
FRIDAY NIGHT: Any rain will end quickly in the early overnight hours of Friday, lows will be cold in the mountains in the 20s and 30s with 30s and 40s to the east.
FREEZE WATCH
A Freeze Watch has been issued for the entire mountains for subfreezing temperatures, a strong winter-like airmass will move into NC for the weekend bringing a Frost and Freeze to the mountains Friday night and more of the state Saturday night.
Temperatures across the mountains will range from 28-32° for most areas. I'll have a full blog this evening about the entire cold spell.
A Frost and Freeze could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation, and possibly damage unprotected pipes.
The following counties under a Freeze Watch are Madison-Swain-Haywood-Graham-Northern Jackson-Macon-Buncombe-Southern Jackson-Transylvania-Henderson- Caldwell Mountains-Burke Mountains-McDowell Mountains- Rutherford Mountains-Polk Mountains-Avery-Yancey-Mitchell-Avery-Yancey-Mitchell-Cherokee-Clay
SATURDAY: Saturday will feel more likely a late February early March day with highs well below normal about 20° from our average highs. It will be mostly sunny with highs in the 50s and 60s, a northwest wind will make it feel even cooler.
SATURDAY NIGHT: This will be the coldest May night since 2004 for many, mostly clear and cold with lows in the 20s and 30s for most with 40s along the coast. I would turn on the heat and break out the hot chocolate haha. A Frost will be likely for a good portion west of Raleigh with a light patchy frost east away from the coast. I'll have more on Frost and Freeze advisories when they are issued.
COLDER THAN CHRISTMAS MORNING FOR SOME
If you thought it was cold this morning, just wait until Saturday night into Mother's Day morning. Temperatures are expected to be at or colder than Christmas morning widespread 30s and even some 20s Saturday night into Sunday morning. We will likely see Frost and Freeze alerts for a good portion of the state; this will be a rarer late-season Frost. Temperatures will be near record lows, but not quite there. The good news is, by Sunday afternoon, temperatures are going to take a 180 into the 60’s and even low 70’s!
Take steps to protect your crops and plants Friday night and Saturday night, I'll have more tomorrow and Saturday about the areas at the greatest threat to see a Freeze or a Frost and some helpful steps to save your plants. Stay tuned for updates and stay warm, don't worry the heat will be back by Wednesday of next week!
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