While valley areas will enjoy a final cool, but mostly sunny weekend, starting Sunday night and continuing through Tuesday, the region should prepare for a period of wet weather with a high chance of rain.
Western North Carolina is set for a significant temperature shift next week, with the National Weather Service (NWS) confirming a transition from mild fall conditions to a pattern cold enough to produce the first measurable snow of the season on the region's highest mountains around Halloween.
While valley areas will enjoy a final cool, but mostly sunny weekend, starting Sunday night and continuing through Tuesday, the region should prepare for a period of wet weather with a high chance of rain. Temperatures during this stretch will hold in the upper 50s for highs and the low to mid-40s for lows.
The Turn:
Colder Air Arrives for Halloween Week. The real change occurs toward the end of next week as a strong cold front drives frigid air into the Appalachians, bringing the possibility of snow. Mid-Week (Wednesday): Rain showers taper off, and the cold air begins to funnel into the mountains. Late Week (Thursday and Friday/Halloween): Valley areas like Asheville and Hendersonville will see daytime highs struggle to reach the lower 50s, with overnight lows potentially dipping into the 30s}$. The forecast shows this period will be windy and much colder, but precipitation is expected to be minimal at lower elevations. High-Elevation Snow: As the cold air settles in on Thursday, October 30th, and Friday, October 31st (Halloween), the highest mountain peaks in WNC (above approx 4,500 ft) have a moderate probability of seeing snow showers and accumulation. This could mark the first notable snowfall of the season for the highest summits like Mount Mitchell, Beech Mountain, and areas along the Tennessee line.
Residents planning any outdoor activities for Halloween, especially trick-or-treating in the valleys, should prepare for a very chilly and breezy evening, but should not expect snow accumulation outside of the mountain peaks.
WNCTimes