A brief window for mountain flurries or rime icing could arrive Saturday morning above 5,000 feet, with colder temperatures and possible frost following across Western North Carolina.
GATLINBURG, Tenn. (Smokies.LIVE Storm Center) — The first taste of winter could reach the highest elevations of the Tennessee and North Carolina mountains this weekend, with forecasters watching the potential for a brief period of flurries or rime icing early Saturday.
Meteorologist Kyle Grainger has talked about this for a couple of days and on Thursday, the National Weather Service office in Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina said a brief period of flurries or rime icing is possible above approximately 5,000 feet before moisture moves out Saturday morning.
The potential is limited to the highest elevations, and significant snowfall is not expected based on the current forecast discussion. However, conditions could briefly feel wintry along the mountain ridges as colder air moves into the region.
Weekend weather timeline
Friday: Gusty conditions are expected during the afternoon as a weather system moves through the region. Visitors traveling mountain roads should be prepared for changing conditions, especially at higher elevations.
Saturday: Cooler air settles across the mountains, with afternoon temperatures generally reaching the 50s and lower 60s in the foothills. The highest elevations will be colder, with a brief opportunity for flurries or rime icing early in the morning.
Sunday morning: The highest peaks remain the focus for any lingering wintry precipitation potential, depending on how quickly moisture departs and temperatures evolve.
Monday morning: Frost is possible across parts of the Western North Carolina mountains. Residents should monitor temperatures and take precautions to protect sensitive plants if frost develops.
What mountain visitors should know
This is an early-season cold-weather setup rather than a widespread winter storm. Still, temperatures can drop quickly with elevation, and conditions on exposed ridges can differ significantly from those in the valleys.
Anyone planning to visit the higher elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains or Blue Ridge Mountains should check the latest forecast before traveling. Be prepared for colder temperatures, gusty winds and the possibility of brief icy conditions on the highest terrain.
Smokies.LIVE Storm Center will continue tracking the weekend forecast as the timing and potential for high-elevation wintry weather become clearer.
For now, consider this a first taste of winter in the Smokies — a reminder that colder weather is beginning to return to the mountains.
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