Snow, sleet and freezing rain possible in Charlotte this weekend, NWS says

Charlotte’s weekend forecast includes snow and there is a potential for snow, sleet and freezing rain to linger through Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

“Details remain highly uncertain,” including whether Charlotte would see mostly snow or mostly freezing rain, forecasters say.

Either way, a low of 19 degrees Saturday and 13 degrees on Sunday means anything wet will freeze.

The snow is expected to start around 2 a.m. Saturday when temperatures fall to 28 degrees. It would then turn to a mix of snow and freezing rain after sunrise, when temperatures rise above freezing (34 degrees), the NWS says.

The mix of snow and freezing rain could continue through Sunday morning.

“Moderate snow accumulation” is possible, officials say.

It’s the second weekend in a row the National Weather Service has suggested snow might fall in the Charlotte region, and nothing happened last weekend.

However, experts say the chances are better this weekend, including a 70% to 80% chance of precipitation Saturday and a 70% chance on Sunday.

“Model guidance has pointed to a strong continental polar air mass spilling into the central portion of the U.S. and spreading eastward. Meanwhile, moisture appears to stretch over the south and southeast ahead of the frontal boundary. Somewhere along this frontal boundary, wintry precipitation will likely form,” the National Weather Service reported early Tuesday.

“Current model guidance from the (Global Forecast System) has shifted the transition zone further north, bringing the potential for more of an ice event than snow. ... The main point is that yes, the model guidance is signaling for a potential winter storm stretching over the weekend. ... Another factor increasing confidence in this potential winter storm is the cold air that is expected to be in place.”

The “wide-ranging winter storm” will impact much of the southeast, with snow or ice stretching from Kansas all the way to the Carolinas.

“Uncertainty remains regarding the location and magnitude of this winter storm’s various components,” NOAA reported early Tuesday.

“Broad swaths of freezing rain and sleet are expected south of the all-snow over the .... Carolinas. Hazardous travel conditions, power outages, and tree damage are likely.”

This story was originally published January 20, 2026 at 5:58 AM.