Black Friday Weather: What Shoppers Need to Know Before Heading Out Early

If you’re planning to hit the stores early on Black Friday, you’ll want to bundle up. Rowan County is heading into its coldest stretch of the season, and Friday morning will deliver a sharp reminder that winter isn’t far away.

A Frigid Start Before Sunrise

Temperatures will start the day in the low 20s, making it one of the coldest mornings we’ve seen so far this fall. Skies will be clear, which allows heat to escape quickly overnight — a classic setup for an icy-cold morning. If you're lining up for early deals or heading out before dawn, plan for:

• Air temperatures in the 20–23° range

• Light northwest winds adding to the chill

• Wind chills dipping into the upper teens at times

Even by mid-morning, temperatures will only slowly climb through the 30s.

Sunny but Still Chilly Through the Afternoon

After the cold start, plenty of sunshine returns. High temperatures will reach the mid-40s Friday afternoon, but a persistent northwest breeze will keep the air feeling cooler. If you're planning extended outdoor shopping — especially areas like Downtown Salisbury or local markets — expect jackets, gloves, and layers to be essential all day.

Why It’s So Cold?

A strong cold front moves through today, ushering in a fresh push of dry Arctic air straight into the Carolinas. As winds relax overnight and skies stay clear, the atmosphere can cool very efficiently. It’s the perfect recipe for a hard freeze.

This colder-than-normal pattern sticks around through Saturday before temperatures begin a slow climb late in the weekend.

Bottom Line

• Bundle up for early shopping — lows in the low 20s

• Sunny but cool Friday afternoon — highs in the mid-40s

• Wind chills in the teens early Friday morning

• Hard freeze expected across all of Rowan County

Check back with Rowan County Weather for updates heading into the weekend, including Sunday night’s next rain chance.