— Skies will continue to turn cloudier through the rest of Friday evening.
Temperatures will drop into the 20s, and a few snow showers are possible this evening, mainly across the mountains. A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for the Piedmont Triad through Sunday morning. Snow chances increase late Friday night and into early Saturday. The highest likelihood of snowfall before 6 a.m. Saturday will be in the mountains, foothills, and areas near the North Carolina–Virginia border.
Snow is expected for much of Saturday, roughly from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. That said, snowfall will not be constant everywhere. Some locations may see heavier snow bands at times, while others could experience breaks in precipitation.
As of Friday afternoon, forecast data continues to suggest the possibility of a dry slot developing somewhere across central North Carolina. A dry slot is an area of dry air in the middle levels of the atmosphere that reduces available moisture and can significantly limit snowfall amounts. Because weather models struggle to precisely track mid- and upper-level atmospheric features, it remains difficult to determine exactly where this dry slot may form.
Snowfall totals are currently projected to range between 2 and 7 inches, depending on how this dry slot evolves. If it moves over our area, totals will likely stay closer to 2 inches. If it stays away, steady snow with occasional heavier bands could push totals toward 7 inches.
Saturday’s impacts won’t be limited to snow alone. Gusty winds between 25 and 35 mph are expected, which will blow around the light, powdery snow. This could lead to drifting snow, blowing snow, and reduced visibility. Travel conditions are expected to be dangerous, and residents are strongly encouraged to stay home if possible.
Saturday morning temperatures will be near 15 degrees, with afternoon highs only climbing into the low 20s. Factoring in the wind, it will feel like single-digit temperatures throughout the day.
Sunday morning lows will drop to around 11 degrees. With continued gusty winds, wind chills could fall to near or below zero. Afternoon highs will reach the low 30s, though it will feel more like the teens. Skies are expected to be mostly sunny on Sunday.
Looking ahead to the workweek, melting and refreezing could become an issue. However, snow is generally easier to manage than the sleet and ice experienced last weekend. If enough dry air moves in after Saturday’s snowfall, sublimation may occur, allowing snow to transition directly from solid to vapor, reducing accumulation. If that does not happen, melting and refreezing could impact travel Monday and Tuesday.
Monday morning temperatures will be in the teens, with sunny skies and highs reaching the mid 30s. Clouds increase Tuesday, with morning lows in the upper teens and afternoon highs in the low 40s.
Cloudy conditions continue Wednesday, along with a 40% chance of rain. Morning temperatures will be in the low 30s, with highs again in the low 40s.
Thursday will feature partly cloudy skies, with morning lows in the upper 20s and highs in the upper 30s.
A mix of sun and clouds is expected Friday, with lows in the mid 20s and afternoon highs reaching the low 40s.