CHARLOTTE, N.C. — While the temperatures warmed up a bit Thursday, they will plummet Friday as another blast of cold air arrives in Charlotte.
The mercury fell into the lower teens on Thursday night, but wind chill values will be 1 degree in the metro area.
The mountains will continue to see dangerous wind chill values -- possibly as cold as 34 below zero in spots by Friday morning. The record low of seven degrees will not be in jeopardy, though.
CMS to operate on 2-hour delay on Friday
The weekend will be warmer, as temps will close in on 50 degrees by Sunday before another cold blast arrives next week.
Residents in mountains deal with cold temps, strong winds Thursday
Residents in the North Carolinas Mountains are dealing with snow and strong winds which have temperatures plummeting all day.
They are preparing for a very cold night where Severe Weather Center 9 meteorologist Steve Udelson said wind chills could dip to minus 34 degrees.
In downtown Blowing Rock, some ice carvers didn't have to worry about the temperature that never climbed out of the teens.
"It is very cold. You have to be careful that your fingers and toes don't get frost bite," said ice carver Travis Jones.
"When I got down here in town I was like 'why did I not bring gloves? I'm going to die out here,'" said resident Tona Willet.
Just down the street, people are getting ready for the town's Winter Fest polar plunge where they have already broken the ice that is 3-inches thick at the Chetola Resort.
"This is perfect winter air. We have a philosophy it is winter don't hibernate, celebrate and God has blessed us with wonderful, wonderful weather for this event," said Chamber of Commerce spokesman Bobbie Rogers.
Appalachian Ski Mountain officials said the cold blast has led to one of their best Januarys ever.
Some areas of the slope are buried under 8 -10 feet of man-made snow.
"We have three layers on. Once you get skiing it's pretty warm except your face and feet," said skier Ember Focakvic.
WSOC
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