Charlotte-area residents are advised to prepare for a bout of wintry weather, as the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory effective until noon EST Thursday. According to the NWS update, a front bringing "Rain before 3pm, then a chance of rain, snow, and sleet" is expected to have an 80% chance of precipitation today, with "little or no snow and sleet accumulation expected."
Commuters in the area should to be especially cautious, with the NWS alerting that "The snowfall will create slippery and snow covered roadways. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning and evening commutes." Temperatures are hovering near the freezing mark at 38°F (3°C) with a wind chill making it feel substantially colder at 31°F (-1°C). Visibility remains clear with a 10 mile range providing at least one consolation for those needing to travel.
The forecast indicates a slight chance of rain and snow showers before 7pm tonight, leading to potentially hazardous travel conditions. Patchy fog is also expected after 2am, which could further complicate early Thursday morning commutes. "A 30 percent chance of snow showers, mainly before 8am. Patchy fog before 9am" is forecasted for Thursday, though conditions are expected to improve with gradual clearing and a high near 37. The NWS cautions that new snow accumulation of less than a half inch is possible.
Looking forward to the weekend, the weather is set to clear up significantly. The NWS anticipates a "Sunny, with a high near 45" for Friday and a predominantly sunny stretch lasting through Tuesday. These clearer skies may provide some relief following the wintry mix of precipitation and ensure to allow people to make outdoor plans with greater confidence. Despite the brief disruption, the overall outlook for Charlotte and its environs is one of a typical winter's ebb and flow, with temperatures fluctuating from lows of 18°F at night to pleasant highs near 68°F by next Tuesday.
Residents of the region should continue to stay tuned to local media and the National Weather Service for further updates. The NWS especially encourages people to "slow down and use caution while traveling." In response to the potential for adverse weather conditions, spotters have been activated and are requested "to report snow and ice accumulations to our office," aiding in the accurate assessment and reaction to the ongoing weather system.
