Rain Threatens Easter Plans Across Western Carolinas

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cold front is set to bring heavy rain and thunderstorms to the Western Carolinas this weekend, threatening outdoor Easter plans. Warm and humid conditions will dominate Thursday and Friday, but Saturday afternoon will see increasing showers and storms ahead of the front. Sunday is designated a First Alert Weather Day, with a line of storms expected to push through overnight and linger into the early afternoon, potentially bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall.

Why it matters

The wet weather could force many families to alter or cancel their traditional Easter Sunday activities, which often involve outdoor gatherings and events. The rain could also impact sunrise services and other early morning celebrations. This serves as a reminder that spring weather can be unpredictable and the importance of having backup plans for weather-dependent events.

The details

Temperatures will climb into the low 80s in the Upstate and mid-to-upper 70s in the mountains on Thursday and Friday, running well above normal for early April. Mostly sunny skies on Thursday will transition to partly cloudy on Friday, with just a small chance of a pop-up shower or storm. Saturday afternoon will see increasing coverage of showers and thunderstorms as moisture streams in ahead of the cold front. The mountains could see rain amounts exceeding 1 inch, particularly across the far western peaks. The line of storms is expected to push through overnight Saturday into Sunday morning, with the primary concerns being strong winds and heavy rainfall.

• Thursday and Friday will see warm, humid weather with highs in the low 80s (Upstate) and mid-to-upper 70s (mountains).
• Saturday afternoon will bring increasing showers and thunderstorms ahead of the cold front.
• Saturday night into Sunday is designated a First Alert Weather Day, with a line of storms expected to push through overnight and linger into the early afternoon.
• Sunday morning showers are expected to linger through early afternoon before conditions dry out.
• Behind the front, cooler air will settle in, with Sunday night temperatures plunging into the upper 30s to mid-40s, and the mountains dropping to the upper 30s.

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the progression of the cold front and provide updates on the timing and intensity of the expected rainfall and storms. Residents in the Western Carolinas should stay tuned to local weather forecasts and be prepared to adjust their Easter plans if necessary.