Weather Briefing for Thursday, March 20, 2025

Northwest flow moisture will develop behind a departing cold front this afternoon into tonight across the western North Carolina mountains. With colder air filtering in behind the front, temperatures will gradually fall near or below freezing this afternoon into this evening. This will allow rain showers to gradually transition to snow showers. Snowfall totals from 1-3 inches will be mainly confined to elevations above 3500 ft, although half an inch to an inch of snow should fall in the valleys along/near the NC/TN border. The highest snowfall amounts are expected to fall across the Smokies, with 4-6 inches expected. Locally higher amounts will be possible, especially above 4,000 ft. Some light snow or flurries may spill into northern Jackson County, southern Haywood County, and southern Buncombe County this evening. However, no accumulations are expected. Snow should taper off prior to daybreak Friday. Additionally, gusty northwest winds will develop behind the front ranging from 35-45 mph today, increasing to 45-50 mph this evening into late tonight. A Wind Advisory is in effect for the North Carolina mountains from 8pm this evening through 8am Friday.

Plan on slippery road conditions. Slow down and use caution while driving as snow will impact the evening commute.

…INCREASED FIRE DANGER LATE THIS AFTERNOON INTO EARLY EVENING ACROSS PORTIONS OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA…

A cold front will allow gusty winds to develop today, ranging from 25 to 35 mph. Although scattered rain showers are expected to track across western North Carolina later this morning, this will not be enough of a wetting rain to bring relief to dry fuels. Relative humidity will fall below 30% for a few hours later today as drier air filters into the region behind the cold front. Dry fuels, gusty winds, and low relative humidity will all lead to increased Fire Danger today. Thus, a Fire Danger Statement has been issued for the North Carolina Foothills and Piedmont from 4 PM to 8 PM this evening. Please refer to your local burn permitting authorities whether you may burn outdoors. If you do burn outside, use extreme caution.

Please refer to your local burn permitting authorities whether you may burn outdoors. If you do burn outside, use extreme caution.

SATURDAY HAZARDS

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