Calm Before the Ice: Charlotte Sees Mild Temperatures and Light Rain Ahead of Major Winter Storm

Morning: A Chilly and Cloudy Start

As the sun rose over the Queen City this Thursday morning, January 22, 2026, residents were greeted by mostly cloudy skies and a brisk start to the day. Early morning observations at Charlotte/Douglas International Airport recorded a temperature of 43°F, though the southwesterly wind at 6 mph made it feel closer to 39°F. Commuters should expect these grey skies to persist throughout the early hours, though visibility remains high at approximately 10 miles. While the morning remains dry for the most part, moisture is steadily moving into the Piedmont region.

Afternoon: Peak Warmth with a Chance of Showers

The afternoon will bring the warmest temperatures of the day, with the mercury expected to reach a high of 56°F. Despite the relatively mild conditions for late January, don't leave your umbrella at home. The National Weather Service predicts a 30 percent chance of light rain, primarily concentrated before 1:00 PM. The wind will remain light, providing little relief from the high humidity, which is currently hovering around 42% but is expected to climb as the rain chances increase. By late afternoon, the showers should taper off, leaving behind a persistent blanket of clouds.

Evening: Persistent Clouds and Overnight Drip

As we transition into the evening, temperatures will begin a slow descent toward an overnight low of 39°F. The chance of precipitation persists after the sun goes down, with a slight chance of rain continuing until about 1:00 AM. Total rainfall amounts for the day are expected to be light, generally measuring under a tenth of an inch. However, the atmosphere will remain saturated, setting the stage for more significant weather changes arriving later in the week.

Urgent Alerts: State of Emergency Declared

While today’s weather is relatively manageable, the primary focus for Charlotte officials is the major winter and ice storm forecast for the upcoming weekend. The following notices are currently in effect:

• Winter Storm Watch: A watch has been issued starting Saturday, January 24, at 7:00 AM, lasting through Monday afternoon. Meteorologists are warning of a potentially historic mix of rain, sleet, and significant icing.
• State of Emergency: Governor Josh Stein has already declared a state of emergency for North Carolina to activate the State Emergency Response Team.
• Road Preparations: The NCDOT will begin applying brine solution to major Charlotte roadways starting this evening after the rush hour to combat expected ice accumulation.

Residents are encouraged to use the mild conditions today to finalize their emergency kits and fuel up vehicles before roadway conditions begin to deteriorate late Friday night.