From Freezing to the 50s: What’s Behind Wednesday’s Big Temperature Rebound?

After a very cold start to the week, Rowan County is about to feel a fast and noticeable warm-up. Temperatures that struggled to reach the upper 30s today will climb into the lower 50s on Wednesday. It’s a sharp turnaround, and there are a few key weather factors working together to make it happen.

A Change in Wind Direction

The first driver of the warm-up is a shift in the wind. Today’s light northeast breeze is keeping cooler air in place across the region. Overnight and into Wednesday morning, winds turn southwest. That’s important because a southwest wind pulls in milder air from the Piedmont and the foothills, helping surface temperatures climb more efficiently during the day.

Stronger Mixing in the Atmosphere

Another factor contributing to Wednesday’s rebound is stronger vertical mixing. As sunshine increases and the atmosphere becomes more unstable, air from higher up—where temperatures are warmer—mixes down toward the surface. This mixing effect becomes even more pronounced when winds pick up, which we expect Wednesday afternoon.

Forecast wind gusts may approach 25 to 30 mph at times, especially in open areas. That added momentum helps distribute warmer air through the lower atmosphere.

Sunshine Returns

Clouds played a big role in keeping temperatures suppressed today. Limited sunshine meant limited daytime heating. On Wednesday, skies turn mostly sunny, allowing the sun to do its job more effectively. Even in December, a full day of sunshine can easily boost temperatures 8 to 12 degrees above what we saw today.

What to Expect on Wednesday

Highs should reach the lower 50s across Rowan County by mid-afternoon. The breeze will make it feel cooler at times, but this is still a significant warm-up compared to today’s chilly upper 30s.

Morning temperatures will still start off cold, but the climb after sunrise will be much quicker than what we’ve seen the past two days.

Looking Ahead

This warm-up is brief. Cooler air returns late in the week as a pair of cold fronts move through the region. Highs will dip back into the 40s Thursday, followed by a mild Saturday and a colder push early next week.

For now, Wednesday brings a welcome break from the early-December chill and a chance to enjoy a little sunshine before temperatures slide again.