ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Enjoy these near-normal temperatures while you can. Arctic air is on the way early next week.
Expect widespread rain with a wintry mix across portions of the mountains late tonight and early Saturday morning and then a round of light snow showers near the Tennessee border later in the weekend, the National Weather Service said. Amounts should be light.
Then comes the change.
An arctic cold front will move across the Tennessee Valley and southern Appalachians on Sunday ushering in the frigid air.
The main concern will be the frigid temperatures with wind chills dropping as low as 10 to 15 degrees below zero over the far east Tennessee mountains Sunday night. Across the lower elevations, wind chills will drop to near zero Sunday night and 5 to 10 degrees above zero for Monday night.
Be prepared for the frigid and wintry conditions. Dress in loose layers and cover all exposed skin when venturing outside. Limit time outdoors if possible. Remember to check on family, friends, and neighbors.
According to the National Weather Service, the arctic airmass will build overhead Monday night and Tuesday, bringing temperatures that will be about 20 degrees below normal for what is climatologically the coldest time of the year. Sunny skies will offer little consolation to the frigid conditions with temperatures struggling to rise above freezing across much of the area.
CLICK HERE to see the seven-day forecast.