GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – A blast of arctic air and gusty northwest winds dominate the forecast through Tuesday, bringing dangerously cold conditions across the Carolinas and Georgia. Temperatures rebound to near-normal levels by midweek, with a chance of rain returning for the weekend.
Today: Blustery and Frigid
By this afternoon, the pressure gradient relaxes, allowing winds to diminish slightly. Highs reach the mid-to-upper 40s for the Upstate, with mountain areas topping out in the 20s and 30s.
However, the combination of cool, dry air and breezy conditions creates elevated fire weather concerns this afternoon, particularly across northeast Georgia, where a Red Flag Warning takes effect from noon to 7 p.m.
Wednesday and Thursday: Dry and Getting Warmer
Good news—the cold snap loosens its grip on Wednesday and we rebound quickly. Highs climb to the mid to upper 50s in the Upstate and the upper 40s in the mountains. Dry conditions stick around as a clipper-type low pressure system moves north of us. Winds stay gusty in the mountains and a bit breezy elsewhere, but nothing like how we started the work week.
New Years Eve night stays dry, but temperatures will drop into the night turning chilly for those going out to celebrate. A coat will be wanted for those going on the town. Expect temperatures to drop from the low 40s to upper 30s around 10 p.m. dropping from the upper to mid 30s after the ball drops at midnight.
Temperatures trend back toward normal by Thursday, with highs near to slightly above normal. A mostly sunny day is expected with highs in the mid 50s for the Upstate and upper 40s for the mountains.
The super dry air finally starts to ease up on Thursday afternoon, so we’re done with the critical fire weather concerns.
Friday Through Monday: Rain Possible, Then a Warm-Up
Friday looks dry with lighter winds and highs in the mid to upper 50s. But a southern stream low pressure system is sneaking in from the south Friday night and Saturday, and it could bring some much-needed rain…