Monday’s Snow Potential: What We Could and Could Not See

A weak storm system approaches the region late tonight into Monday, bringing periods of rain and colder air into the area. Naturally, that raises the question many of us ask any time we see cold air and precipitation together: Could we see snow?
Here’s a breakdown of what the latest data suggests for Rowan County and nearby communities.

What We Could See

A brief finish of light snow north and northwest of Rowan County

As the system pulls away Monday afternoon, colder air will begin rushing in behind the rain. In the foothills and northwest Piedmont, the cold air may catch up just as the last of the moisture exits. This could allow for a brief period of light snow before precipitation ends.
However, even in these areas, current guidance shows only a dusting to less than an inch, mainly on grassy or elevated surfaces.

A colder, raw day

With clouds, early rain, and northeast winds, Monday will feel wintry whether or not any flakes fall. High temperatures will hover near the low 40s, and areas that receive rain early may see fog before conditions gradually improve late in the day.

What We Likely Will Not See

Accumulating snow in Rowan County

For Rowan County, temperatures and timing simply do not align for accumulating snowfall. The cold air arrives too late, and moisture leaves too quickly. By the time evaporation-driven cooling tries to work in, the precipitation shield will already be moving east.

Travel impacts

Road impacts appear very unlikely for our area. Sub-freezing air does not settle in until Monday night, well after all precipitation has ended. Even in the higher elevations where accumulations are expected, issues should remain minor and generally confined to the highest ridges.

Anything more than flurries or stray flakes

If Rowan County were to see anything at all, it would likely be isolated flakes mixing in briefly as the system exits. At this point, most data trends keep even that chance very low.

Where Snow Is More Likely

The only area with confidence in accumulating snow is the northern North Carolina mountains. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect there for 1–3 inches of snow, with the best coverage on the ridges and higher elevations.

Looking Ahead

After the system moves out, skies clear Monday night and temperatures drop sharply, with lows near the upper teens. Sunshine returns Tuesday, but highs will remain below normal. Milder conditions return by midweek.