Hey friends! Welcome back to winter with temperatures dropping nearly 25 degrees in the last 48 hours. Tonight winds finally calm down, but the chill is in place as we welcome back lows in the 20s and 30s, under clear skies.   The chill is short lived with highs climbing back into the mid to upper 50s Tuesday, with overnight lows a little warmer Tuesday night. The air east of the mountains is super dry, around 25 to 30 percent humidity, with light winds keeping fire risk high. By Tuesday afternoon, humidity will creep up a little as southwest winds bring in some moisture, but overall it’s still pretty calm. Then things start to shake up Wednesday evening. A disturbance swings in from the Ohio and Tennessee valleys and moves into the mountains Thursday. That means snow for the mountains, especially above 3,500 feet near the Tennessee border. Most of it falls overnight Wednesday into early Thursday, and by Thursday afternoon, it tapers off to just some flurries. Out east, including the Piedmont, it’s too warm for snow, but I won’t rule out a few stray flurries here and there. Winds pick up in the mountains Wednesday night through Thursday, but nothing too crazy except at the highest peaks. After that, get ready for some seriously cold air. Thursday through the weekend is going to be chilly, especially in the mountains. Wind chills above 3,500 feet could drop below zero Thursday night into Friday morning. Even down in the valleys, it’ll feel like single digits to teens. Another shot of cold comes Friday into the weekend, but most places should stay dry, with maybe a little snow in the highest mountains.  It’s a week of contrasts with it being mild and calm at the start, snow and chilly breezes midweek, and then a big blast of cold to finish things off. Perfect excuse to pull out the cozy sweaters, and enjoy the changing seasons!   ...read more read less