Sudden Cooldown Brings Rare Snow to North Carolina

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After a week of unseasonably warm weather, a powerful cold front swept through North Carolina on Thursday, causing temperatures to plummet from the 80s to below freezing. The sudden cooldown resulted in snow falling in the western part of the state, including the city of Boone, creating a slushy mix on roads and rooftops.

Why it matters

This dramatic weather shift is highly unusual for North Carolina, where residents have been enjoying an extended warm spell. The unexpected snow is a stark reminder of the state's unpredictable winter weather patterns and the impacts of sudden temperature changes.

The details

The cold front brought clouds, rain, and a dramatic temperature drop across the state. In Boone, temperatures plunged from a high of 79°F on Wednesday to just 33°F on Thursday, with snow accumulating on the roads and rooftops. The slushy conditions created by the snow were visible in tire tracks on the pavement.

• On Wednesday, the high temperature in Mount Airy was 79°F, the warmest day of the year so far.
• On Thursday morning, the cold front swept through, causing temperatures to drop below freezing in the western half of the state.

What’s next

The forecast indicates that the warmer weather is expected to return to North Carolina in the coming days, providing relief from the unexpected winter conditions.