Freeze Warning tonight across Charlotte and Raleigh: how cold it gets, timing, and what to do before bedtime

An early-season Arctic front is delivering the coldest air of the fall to the Carolinas, with a Freeze Warning in effect this evening through Tuesday morning for the Charlotte metro, the Triangle (Raleigh–Durham–Chapel Hill), and much of central North Carolina. Light flurries have dotted parts of the Piedmont, and the main story overnight will be subfreezing temperatures and bitter wind chills that can damage plants and unprotected pipes.

Timing and temperatures: Charlotte & Raleigh

Warning window: 8:00 p.m. Monday to 9:00 a.m. Tuesday (ET)
Threat level: Widespread freeze ending the growing season for most of central NC.

• Charlotte: Lows 24–27°F in town, lower 20s in outlying suburbs. Wind chills falling to the mid teens at times with gusts 25–30 mph overnight. A brief flurry or two remains possible early.

• Raleigh / Triangle: Lows 22–28°F area-wide. A stray flurry can’t be ruled out north and west of the city. Breezy conditions will make it feel 10–15 degrees colder at times before daybreak.

Tuesday (Veterans Day): Bright but cold. Afternoon highs only upper 40s to near 50°F, with a lingering breeze.

Midweek warm-up: A fast rebound arrives Wednesday–Thursday with highs pushing upper 50s to 60s, and overnight lows moderating above freezing for most neighborhoods.

Why this freeze matters

• Hard end to the growing season: Temperatures 21–30°F for several hours can kill tender vegetation and damage sensitive landscaping.

• Pipe and pet hazards: Exposed outdoor plumbing and pet water bowls can freeze solid. Elevated wind chills increase stress for outdoor workers and animals.

• Black ice risk (limited): While widespread icing is not expected, bridges/overpasses in wind-shaded spots could glaze near daybreak where brief flurries occurred.

What to do before you go to sleep

Protect people & pets

• Bring pets indoors; provide warm shelter and thawed water.

• Layer up if you’re attending early morning events; wind can make the cold bite.

Safeguard pipes & irrigation

• Drip indoor faucets on exterior walls if your home is prone to freezing.

• Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air reach plumbing.

• Shut off and drain backflow preventers/irrigation lines if possible; cover outdoor spigots.

Save your plants

• Move containers inside or into a garage.

• Cover in-ground plants with fabric or sheets (not plastic touching leaves).

• Water the soil lightly before the freeze to help retain heat (avoid overwatering).

Vehicles & batteries

• Check antifreeze levels and tire pressure; cold drops PSI.

• Plug in block heaters where applicable and keep EVs above 20–30% to reduce overnight battery stress.

Charlotte & Raleigh: neighborhood-by-neighborhood feel

• Urban cores (Uptown Charlotte / Downtown Raleigh): Urban heat island keeps lows a touch milder, but wind chills still tumble to the teens.

• Northern & western suburbs (Huntersville, Concord, Wake Forest, Hillsborough): Typically a few degrees colder with longer subfreezing stretch—expect lower 20s in cold pockets.

• Southern/eastern edges (Waxhaw, Indian Trail, Clayton, Fuquay-Varina): Mid-20s common; protect spigots and hose bibs exposed to north winds.

Daybreak travel snapshot (Tuesday)

• Roads: Predominantly dry; spot-check bridges for any slick patches where flurries dusted.

• Visibility: Crisp air, excellent visibility after sunrise.

• Transit/airports: No storm-driven disruptions expected; allow extra time for frost scraping.

Quick reference: Freeze Warning checklist

•  Bring pets and plants inside; cover in-ground tender plants

•  Drip vulnerable faucets; open under-sink cabinets on exterior walls

•  Disconnect garden hoses; insulate or cap outdoor spigots

•  Set thermostats to maintain steady overnight heat

•  Pre-warm vehicles and scrape frost safely (never in enclosed garages)

This is a short, sharp cold shot. The freeze will be most impactful late tonight through early Tuesday, then conditions moderate midweek. Take the simple steps now—by morning, your pipes, plants, and pets will thank you.