Near-Record Warmth Today — But Don’t Get Used to It

If it feels more like spring than late December today, you’re not imagining it. Across Rowan, Davie, and Davidson Counties, temperatures are running 15–20 degrees above normal, with afternoon highs pushing into the low 70s.

This kind of warmth is unusual for this time of year — and in a few spots, it’s close to record territory. But the key takeaway is simple:

This warmth is short-lived.

Why It’s So Warm Today

A south-to-southwest flow just above the surface is allowing warmer air to surge into the Piedmont. Once early fog and clouds break, sunshine and downslope winds help temperatures climb quickly.

This is a classic late-December setup:

• Mild air briefly wins

• Sunshine does the rest

• Afternoon temperatures spike well above average

The Flip Is Coming

By tonight and Sunday, clouds increase as a boundary settles back into the Carolinas. That knocks temperatures down into the 50s Sunday, with spotty light rain possible.

Then comes the bigger change.

A strong cold front arrives Monday, bringing:

• Increasing rain chances (still light overall)

• Gusty winds

• A sharp drop in temperatures Monday night

By Tuesday morning, lows fall into the 20s, with highs struggling through the 40s — a much more seasonable (and even chilly) feel.

Why These Swings Happen in Winter

Late December often features battling air masses:

• Warm air briefly pushes north

• Cold air quickly returns behind strong fronts

That back-and-forth creates dramatic temperature swings — sometimes 30 degrees or more in just 48 hours.

What to Remember

• Enjoy today’s warmth, but don’t dress for it long-term

• Sunday and Monday trend cooler and cloudier

• Cold air is locked in for Tuesday

• This is not a pattern shift — just a temporary warm spike

Winter isn’t done yet — it just took a quick pause.