This new feature intergrates www.HighCountryWeather.com into our offerings in a more formidable way. We think that you will find that the forecasts provided here are very accurate for our ski areas and we will be implementing (this week) more live stations into the mix…and we’ll begin providing more content to the website as we grow those features. Look for bigger and better things from this collaboration.
Note: For those who have asked about Brad Panovich, he will continue to provide us with periodic insight, however he’s been too busy with new duties at WCNC in Charlotte to keep in regular touch, hence the need to incorporate more regular input. (Thanks for asking though!)
Now to the weather for the Western North Carolina Mountains:
The next several days will provide temps that are several degrees ABOVE normal for this time of year. That’s the bad news. The good news is that there is plenty of snow at all of the ski areas and they should all weather this trend. We’ll probably not see anymore snowmaking at ANY of the North Carolina ski areas untl Friday Night and that will be a 50-50 proposition. We’re seeing some models that suggest colder air might filter in and create some chances for snow Friday Night into Saturday, but right now that’s looking more like light drizzle. We’re going to see milder than normal temps for this next week until January 14th and then NORMAL (not colder than normal) temperatures – Highs in the 40s, etc – through the long range forecasting period that goes through January 17th right now. That could change, so keep your fingers crossed.
Here’s the details as we see it right now: (Adjust the temps UP 2-5° for areas WEST of Banner Elk, such as Maggie Valley, Mars Hill, etc.)
Sunday…Mostly sunny and breezy. Not as cool with highs in the mid 50s. Southwest winds 10 to 20 mph. Gusts up to 35 mph this afternoon.
Monday…Mostly cloudy and windy. Highs in the lower 50s. West winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.
Tuesday…Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of rain. Highs in the upper 40s. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday…Mostly cloudy in the morning…Then becoming partly cloudy. A 30 percent chance of rain showers. Highs in the mid 40s.
Thursday…Partly cloudy in the morning…Then clearing. Highs in the lower 50s.
Friday…Partly cloudy. A chance of rain showers in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 50s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
Saturday…Mostly cloudy in the morning…Then becoming partly cloudy. A 30 percent chance of rain showers. Breezy with highs in the upper 40s.