Charlotte snow storm will be dangerously cold. Take precautions, experts warn

Charlotte could get anywhere from 4 to 8 inches of “dry and powdery” snow on Saturday, but enjoying it will come at some risk, forecasters say.

An Extreme Cold Watch is in effect for the region from 7 p.m. Saturday through 10 a.m. Sunday, which means being outside too long without proper attire can result in hypothermia or even frostbite, experts say.

The high Saturday will stall in the lower 20s, but it will feel colder due to gusts of up to 30 mph, forecasters say. The low will be around 12 degrees Saturday night, with wind chills of 0 to minus 5, the National Weather Service says.

That’s dangerously cold, particularly for children, who are most apt to linger in the snow, experts say.

“Children are more at risk from the cold than adults. Because their bodies are smaller, they lose heat more quickly. Especially if they’re having fun, they may be less likely to come inside when they’re getting too cold,” Healthychildren.org reports.

“Kids exposed to extreme cold for too long and without warm, dry, breathable clothing can get frostbite or even life-threatening hypothermia.”

It’s the wind that will be the most troublesome on Saturday for snow lovers, experts say.

The wind chill describes how cold it actually feels “based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by wind and cold,” the National Weather Service says.

“As the wind increases, it draws heat from the body, driving down skin temperature and eventually the internal body temperature. Therefore, the wind makes it feel much colder,” the NWS says. “If the temperature is 0 degrees Fahrenheit and the wind is blowing at 15 mph, the wind chill is -19 degree Fahrenheit. At this wind chill temperature, exposed skin can freeze in 30 minutes.”

Hypothermia occurs due to a low body temperature, and is “the most common winter weather killer,” according to the American Red Cross. It can occur at any temperature below the normal body temperature of 98.6 degrees, and getting wet speeds up the process, experts say.

Frostbite involves the freezing of body tissue, and it can happen when fingers, toes, the nose and ears are exposed too long to the cold, the National Weather Service says.

“When frostbite starts, feeling is lost in the affected area and the frozen tissue will take on a white or pale appearance. If you suspect you are experiencing frostbite, hold the frostbitten area closely against warm skin to return blood flow and warmth to the affected area,” the NWS says.

The American Red Cross offers the following tips for people who intend to be outside during Charlotte’s snow storm.

• Limit time in the wind and cold. In temperatures of 13 to 31 degrees, take indoor breaks every 20 to 30 minutes. In wind chills of 13 degrees and below, move activities indoors due to the threat of frostbite.
• Dress in layers. “Trapped air between loose fitting clothing helps to insulate. Wear mittens or gloves and a hat. At least half of your body heat is lost if your head is not covered.”
• Stay dry. Wet clothes result in much faster heat loss from the body. Wear waterproof insulated boots.
• Avoid alcohol, which causes you to lose body heat at a faster rate.

This story was originally published January 30, 2026 at 10:15 AM.