What Rowan County’s Normal Temperatures Look Like This Time of Year

By Steve Monday | Rowan County Weather

As temperatures climb into the low 80s this weekend, many are asking: Is this normal for April in Rowan County? The short answer: Not quite—but it's not unusual either. Let’s take a closer look at our local climate data to see how this weekend compares to the historical averages, and what it tells us about where spring is headed.

April Averages for Rowan County

According to the 30-year climate normals (1991–2020) for the Salisbury region, Rowan County typically sees the following average temperatures in mid-to-late April:

• Average High (April 15–20): 71°–74°F

• Average Low: 47°–51°F

• Monthly Average for April: High of 72°F, Low of 49°F

So when the thermometer hits 80° or higher like we’re expecting this weekend, we’re running about 6–10 degrees above average for this time of year.

How Often Do We Hit 80° in April?

While 80s aren’t the norm in mid-April, they’re not rare either. A look at past years shows:

• Rowan County usually sees its first 80° day in late March or early April

• By April 20, we’ve typically had 3–5 days at or above 80°

• Record highs for this time of year are in the mid- to upper-80s, so we’re still well below historic extremes

In 2023, for example, Salisbury recorded 84° on April 18 and 86° on April 21—so this year is tracking similarly.

Why It Feels So Warm Now

Several factors make this weekend’s temperatures feel more dramatic:

• Dry air and clear skies mean stronger daytime warming

• Light overnight winds allow for cooler mornings but faster warming after sunrise

• We just came off cooler early April days, so the contrast feels greater

What This Means for the Rest of Spring

These brief warm spells don’t necessarily signal an early summer. April in Rowan County is known for wild swings in temperature. It’s not uncommon to see 80° one day and upper 50s just two days later.

That said, warmer-than-average April temps can lead to:

• Early blooming of sensitive plants

• Rising pollen levels

• Higher energy use for air conditioning, especially in the afternoon

• Shorter planting windows for cool-season crops

Bottom Line

Rowan County’s climate favors a gradual warm-up in April—but temperatures in the upper 70s and low 80s are becoming more common in recent decades.

So while this weekend might be above average, it’s still well within the expected variability of a Southern spring.

Enjoy the warmth while it lasts—and keep that light jacket nearby. This is North Carolina, after all.