Greensboro, NC – Summer took a surprising turn this week as record-breaking cool temperatures swept across Greensboro and the Piedmont region, capping daytime highs at just 69 degrees on both Tuesday and Wednesday — a historic anomaly for early August in North Carolina.
Two Daily Records Fall in a Row
According to WFMY News 2, both days marked the coolest high temperatures ever recorded on August 5 and August 6 in Greensboro. The previous record highs were 70°F (set for August 5) and 71°F (for August 6). That means every year in recorded history since 1903 had seen warmer temperatures on those dates — until now.
How Rare Are August Highs in the 60s?
While this weather may feel downright autumnal, it has occurred before — just not often. In over 120 years of climate records, only 32 days have featured high temperatures in the 60s during August in Greensboro.
The last comparable event was back in 2014, when temperatures also dropped to 68 degrees during a brief cool spell. However, the coldest August high ever recorded in Greensboro remains 60°F, set way back in 1918.
Why Is This Happening?
This rare summertime chill is caused by a phenomenon known as “cold air damming,” or what meteorologists in the region refer to as the “Appalachian wedge.”
Here’s how it works:
- A strong high-pressure system builds over New England or Canada
- This system pushes cool, dry air southward along the East Coast
- The Appalachian Mountains act as a wall, blocking the air from moving westward
- The dense, cold air gets trapped against the mountains, pooling in the Piedmont region
- Combined with cloud cover and rainfall, this creates the ideal environment for an unseasonably cool stretch
This setup is more common in fall and winter, making its appearance in August particularly unusual.
What to Do in Such Weather
While this refreshing weather may feel like a break from the summer heat, it can also catch people off guard. Here’s how to make the most of it — and stay safe:
- Dress in layers, especially in the morning and evening when temps feel cooler
- Close windows at night to keep indoor warmth from escaping
- Use caution while driving in areas of drizzle or low visibility due to overcast skies
- Avoid outdoor watering — cool, moist air naturally supports soil hydration
- Reschedule heat-sensitive activities, especially if your event relies on warm, dry conditions
A Welcome Change or Too Early a Chill?
While many residents are enjoying the brief relief from typical August heat, others are wondering what it may mean for the coming fall season. Meteorologists stress that this is not a sign of an early autumn, but rather an unusual weather pattern that should return to normal in the following days.
Have you experienced this cool-down in your neighborhood? Share how it’s affected your week in the comments.
