ASHEVILLE, N.C. — A strong cold front is set to bring a sharp temperature drop to the Southern Appalachians, starting in the mountains Thursday afternoon. Wind will make it feel like the upper 30s in the high country while areas outside the mountains stay near 60 degrees. The cold air spreads across the wider region Thursday night, and everyone will feel it by Friday.
Mountains Feel the Chill First
Colder air will reach the mountains first on Thursday afternoon, and gusty winds will make the change feel even sharper. Asheville is expected to feel like 39 degrees, and Johnson City’s feels-like temperature will be near 41 degrees. Franklin should feel like about 45 degrees, and readings in the mid-40s are likely across the higher terrain to the north.
The coldest feels-like values will follow the Blue Ridge and the spine of the Appalachians from northeast Georgia into southwest Virginia. Anyone hiking, working outdoors or driving through higher elevations should be ready for a noticeable change from earlier in the week. Layered clothing and wind protection will be important by mid-afternoon.
Warmer Conditions Hold Outside the Mountains
Outside the mountains, Thursday afternoon will stay much milder before the front arrives. Charlotte and Greenwood are expected to feel like 66 degrees, and Greenville should be near 60 degrees. Hickory and Gainesville are forecast near 59 degrees, and Knoxville should feel like about 54 degrees.
That contrast means a gap of more than 25 degrees between the Piedmont and the high country on the same afternoon. Lower elevations will get one more comfortable day before the colder air spreads out of the mountains. Residents should enjoy the milder stretch while it lasts, because the change will come quickly.
Cold Air Surges In Thursday Night
The main push of colder air will move through Thursday night and spread from the mountains into the foothills and Piedmont. By Friday, the whole region will feel the change, including cities that stayed near 60 degrees the day before. This will be the coldest air since last winter for many communities…