Plan to be out on New Year’s Eve? Here’s the Charlotte area’s midnight forecast

If you’re planning to be outside enjoying a communal New Year’s Eve celebration in the Charlotte region, bring a coat, hat and gloves.

A low near freezing is forecast Wednesday night, according to the National Weather Service.

AccuWeather expects it to hit 30 degrees around the time people gather at midnight.

New Year’s Eve parties often result in people standing outside in the dark for hours, which can be risky in freezing temperatures, experts warn.

“No fashion statement is worth the health and wellness of your organs, and your skin is an organ. Even though we want to show off our holiday outfits, it’s cold out, and cold weather is rough on your skin,” the health site hol+ reports.

“Cold temperatures and low humidity levels result in dry air that draws moisture away from the skin. Add harsh winter weather and indoor heat with no humidity, and you can end up with rough, or even cracked skin. In some cases the skin will crack and even bleed.”

Children lose body heat faster than adults, making them even more sensitive to the cold, Physicians Premier says.

“Layered clothing, hats, and gloves help kids stay warm even as temperatures drop late in the evening,” the site reports. “Taking regular breaks indoors to warm up also makes a difference. When children are comfortable, they are less likely to feel unwell or become irritable as the night goes on.”

This story was originally published December 31, 2025 at 8:53 AM.