From 82 Degrees to Snow: A Look Back at Veterans Day Weather in North Carolina
By Steve Monday | Chief Forecaster, Rowan County Weather & Regional Forecast
November 11, 2026
Veterans Day is a time to pause, reflect, and honor the men and women who have served our country. It also falls during one of North Carolina's most unpredictable weather months, when conditions can range from springlike warmth to freezing temperatures and even an occasional early-season snowfall.
As we observe Veterans Day 2026, let's look back at some remarkable weather events that have occurred on November 11 across North Carolina.
When Veterans Day Felt More Like Spring
Imagine stepping outside on Veterans Day and finding temperatures more typical of late September than the middle of November.
That's exactly what happened in Charlotte on November 11, 2020, when the temperature climbed to an impressive 82 degrees.
According to National Weather Service climate records, that remains Charlotte's record high temperature for November 11.
For perspective, Charlotte's normal high temperature around this time of year is approximately 64 degrees. That means the 2020 reading was nearly 20 degrees warmer than normal.
Other parts of North Carolina have experienced similarly unusual warmth, demonstrating how persistent southerly winds and warm air masses can keep temperatures elevated well into November.
The Other Extreme: Veterans Day in the 20s
Of course, November can deliver an entirely different experience.
Charlotte's record low temperature for November 11 is just 24 degrees, recorded in 1973 and also in 1913 in the city's longer historical climate record.
That's a remarkable contrast with the record high of 82 degrees.
A difference of 58 degrees separates the warmest and coldest temperatures recorded on this calendar date.
Nearby Lexington also experienced a particularly cold Veterans Day in 1973, when the temperature dropped to 23 degrees.
These records remind us that the transition from autumn to winter can be anything but gradual.
Yes, It Has Snowed on Veterans Day!
Perhaps one of the most surprising historical facts involves November 11, 1968.
On that date, Charlotte recorded 1.7 inches of snow.
While snow is uncommon across the North Carolina Piedmont this early in the season, it is certainly not impossible.
The 1968 event demonstrates how an unusually cold air mass, combined with sufficient moisture, can produce measurable snowfall well before the traditional winter months.
For residents of Rowan, Davie, Davidson, and Cabarrus counties, it's an interesting reminder that November weather occasionally delivers surprises.
However, an isolated historical snow event does not mean snowfall is likely during any particular November.
Veterans Day Can Also Bring Heavy Rain
Snow and temperature extremes aren't the only notable features of Veterans Day weather history.
November 11, 2009, brought significant rainfall to portions of North Carolina.
Charlotte recorded 1.82 inches of rain, while Greensboro received 2.49 inches.
Lexington recorded 2.10 inches that same day.
Those are substantial daily rainfall totals for November, particularly when compared with the generally drier conditions that can occur during autumn.
The event illustrates how moisture-rich storm systems can produce significant rainfall even as temperatures begin transitioning toward winter.
North Carolina's Mountains Tell Another Story
Weather conditions in the mountains can be dramatically different from those experienced across the Piedmont.
The North Carolina State Climate Office identifies November 11, 1996, as the coldest Veterans Day in its statewide holiday climatology summary.
Mount Mitchell recorded a high temperature of just 19 degrees and a low of 11 degrees that day.
While residents across the Piedmont may be enjoying comfortable fall temperatures, North Carolina's highest elevations can already be experiencing conditions more typical of midwinter.
What About Veterans Day 2026?
This year's Veterans Day is bringing relatively mild weather to our region.
Across Rowan, Davie, Davidson, and Cabarrus counties, afternoon temperatures are expected to reach the lower 70s under mostly sunny skies.
That's warmer than the typical November 11 afternoon, but nowhere near Charlotte's record high of 82 degrees.
The mild conditions won't last indefinitely, however. A colder weather pattern is expected to arrive later this week, with afternoon temperatures falling into the 50s and overnight freezing temperatures becoming a concern this weekend.
It's another example of how quickly November weather can change in the Carolinas.
Honoring Those Who Served
While weather records provide an interesting look at the past, the importance of Veterans Day extends far beyond temperatures, rainfall, and snowfall.
November 11 is an opportunity to recognize the service, sacrifice, and dedication of America's military veterans.
Whether past Veterans Days brought sunshine, rain, snow, or bitter cold, the meaning of this day has remained the same.
To every veteran across Rowan, Davie, Davidson, Cabarrus, and beyond: Thank you for your service.
From Rowan County Weather & Regional Forecast, we wish you a meaningful Veterans Day.
Historical weather sources: National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg climate records, NOAA historical climate records, and the North Carolina State Climate Office Holiday Climatology database.
For continuing local weather forecasts and updates, visit RowanCountyWeather.com.