GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – Christmas Day will feel more like spring than winter across the region, with near-record warmth expected before a dramatic weather pattern shift ushers in arctic air by early next week.
An upper-level ridge of high pressure centered over Mexico will keep conditions dry and unseasonably warm through Saturday, with temperatures running 15-20 degrees above normal. Christmas Day highs could challenge records in some areas, particularly in the French Broad Valley where temperatures could reach the 70s.
“We’re looking at a very warm Christmas,” the National Weather Service said. “Highs will be significantly above normal, with some locations potentially setting or coming close to record highs.”
A Brief Cool-Down Friday
A backdoor cold front will bring a temporary reprieve from the warmth on Friday, with a chance of light showers expected, especially across the North Carolina Piedmont and mountains. However, even with this front, temperatures will remain well above normal, with highs in the upper 50s to near 70 degrees depending on location.
The front will not bring significant moisture, so any rain will be light and spotty.
Saturday’s Record Challenge
Saturday will be the warmest day of the period as high pressure re-establishes itself. Highs are forecast to reach 71 degrees in Asheville, 74 in Charlotte, and 75 in Greenville — potentially challenging or breaking records across the region.
The Big Change: Arctic Cold Arrives Monday
The pattern will shift dramatically beginning Sunday night as a powerful arctic cold front approaches from the north. This system will bring showers to the region on Monday, with the front expected to move through during the day…