Charlotte’s Weekend Forecast: Snowstorm and Community Events

Winter Storm Watch Issued for Charlotte

Charlotte is bracing for a significant winter weather event this weekend. Forecasts predict snowfall beginning Friday night, continuing through Saturday, with accumulations up to 6 inches. A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for the area, urging residents to prepare for hazardous conditions. Governor Josh Stein has declared a state of emergency to facilitate potential federal assistance and activate the State Emergency Response Team ahead of the storm’s arrival on Saturday morning. Bitterly cold temperatures are also expected, with Saturday’s daytime highs projected to be between 15°F (-9°C) and 25°F (-4°C), accompanied by dangerously low wind chills.

Weekend Events in Charlotte

Despite the impending snowstorm, Charlotte offers a variety of events for residents to enjoy this weekend. The Queen’s Feast continues through February 1, offering prix-fixe meals at over 120 participating restaurants. Music lovers can enjoy performances from Pecos and The Rooftops, Tracy Hamlin, and Jarrod Lawson, as well as a classical concert at the Knight Theater. The weekend also features comedy acts such as Zainab Johnson and Hannah Berner. Film buffs can attend screenings from the Charlotte Jewish Film Festival, and sports fans can cheer on the Charlotte Hornets or Charlotte Checkers. Other activities include a wine tasting festival, a 5K or 10K trail race with a polar plunge, ice skating at the Whitewater Center, and unique experiences like interacting with cows or making custom travel mugs. Events span January 30 to February 1, and most are ticketed, with prices varying by event. Weather may impact some activities, so residents are advised to check event details and plan accordingly.

Lottery Winners in Charlotte

In recent lottery news, four friends from Charlotte are celebrating a $150,000 Powerball win after purchasing a ticket in Fort Mill. The group bought the ticket at Red Rocket Fireworks on Highway 21 for the December 1 drawing, narrowly missing the $740 million jackpot by just one number. After taxes, each friend took home $26,250. Additionally, Rosalina Maldonado of Charlotte won $100,000 from a $20 scratch-off lottery ticket purchased at Royal Stop on Eastway Drive. After federal and state tax withholdings, she received $72,016. These wins highlight the excitement and opportunities that the lottery brings to the Charlotte community.

School Schedule Adjustments

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will operate on a two-hour delay on Friday, January 30, 2026, due to leftover wintry weather. School start times and bus pickups will begin two hours later than usual. All before-school programs (BSEP) will also operate on a two-hour delay. After-school programs (ASEP) will operate on a normal schedule, and all school-based and Community Use of Schools activities must conclude by 7 PM. With the possibility of inclement weather Friday evening, athletic event schedules have been adjusted out of an abundance of caution. Varsity games will begin at 5:00 PM, and all JV games are canceled. Additionally, all CMS weekend events, including athletics and field trips, are canceled for January 31 and February 1. Community Use of Schools activities will be evaluated daily based on the latest weather conditions.