ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain is possible across parts of Western North Carolina on Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
High pressure will keep conditions chilly and dry through Thursday, with highs in the 40s and 50s and morning fog in some areas. Clouds will increase Thursday afternoon ahead of a low-pressure system moving northeast from the Gulf of Mexico, bringing precipitation to the region.
The main impacts are expected Friday morning, with light snow or freezing rain potentially causing slick road conditions. Meteorologists caution that accumulations are expected to be limited, and any wintry weather will likely transition to rain by Friday afternoon. Areas west of the I-85 corridor, including the foothills and mountains, face the highest potential for winter weather.
Precipitation chances will taper through the weekend, with a second wave possible late Sunday into Monday. Temperatures will remain below normal, though slightly warmer than Friday.
Forecast:
- Wednesday: Sunny, high near 50.
- Thursday: Increasing clouds, high near 48.
- Friday: Rain and wintry mix mainly before 3 p.m., high near 39.
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy, high near 50.
- Sunday: Partly sunny, high near 50.
The NWS advises residents to monitor local forecasts and plan accordingly, especially for travel Friday morning.