From Bitter Cold to Springlike: Why Temperatures Are Rebounding So Fast This Week

If it feels hard to believe that Rowan County is going from bitter cold to near-spring warmth in just a few days, you’re not alone. After starting the week with temperatures well below normal, a rapid warmup is ahead — and there’s a clear meteorological reason for it.

Why It’s So Cold Right Now

Arctic air is firmly in place across Rowan County today. As of the time of this article, the temperature sits at 14°, a clear sign of how strong this cold air mass is.

A powerful area of high pressure has settled over the Carolinas, bringing very cold temperatures, clear skies, and calm winds. This setup allows the Arctic air to fully take hold, especially during the overnight and early morning hours.

Even with abundant sunshine, temperatures will struggle to climb out of the 30s — roughly 15 to 20 degrees below normal for this time of year. The dry air and light winds are also allowing temperatures to fall quickly after sunset, leading to some of the coldest readings of the season so far.

What Changes So Quickly

The key player — this Arctic high — doesn’t stay parked over the region for long.

As we move into Tuesday and Wednesday, the center of high pressure shifts east and offshore. Once that happens, winds gradually turn from calm to a light southwest flow, allowing much warmer air to move back into the Carolinas.

That subtle wind shift makes a big difference during winter.

The Result: A Rapid Warmup

Here’s how the temperature trend breaks down:

• Monday: Bitterly cold, starting in the teens with afternoon highs in the mid-30s

• Tuesday: Sunshine continues, but highs rebound into the upper 40s

• Wednesday: Partly sunny and much milder, with highs in the mid-50s

• Thursday: Near 60 degrees in many areas — the warmest day of the week

This type of temperature swing is common during North Carolina winters, especially when Arctic air masses retreat quickly and warmer air returns from the south.

Why This Doesn’t Mean Spring Is Here

Even with the midweek warmup, this is still a winter weather pattern.

A cold front approaches late Thursday, bringing increasing clouds and a round of rain Thursday night into early Friday. By the time the rain arrives, temperatures will be too warm to support winter precipitation in Rowan County.

Behind the front, cooler air returns — though not nearly as cold as what we’re experiencing now.

What This Means for the Rest of the Week

• Arctic air in place today

• Steady warming trend Tuesday and Wednesday

• Mildest day Thursday ahead of the front

• Rain Thursday night into early Friday

• Clearing and cooler conditions heading into the weekend

Davie and Davidson Counties follow the same overall pattern, with slightly colder overnight lows early in the week and similar warming trends midweek.

Bottom Line

At 14°, it certainly feels like deep winter right now — and it’s worth remembering that this is mid-December, and astronomical winter hasn’t even started yet. Arctic air can and often does make multiple appearances this time of year.

While a quick warmup is on the way as high pressure slides east and milder air returns, this cold snap is a reminder that winter still has plenty of time left to deliver more extremes. Enjoy the milder stretch ahead, but keep the cold-weather gear close by — winter is just getting started.