Winter is on the way, weather you like it or not. | Photo by @wncphototours
We’ve seen a few flurries already, but we know the question on your mind, Ashevillians — will we get more snow this year? Thanks to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, we know what temperatures and precipitation trends to expect in our city for December, January, and February.
While exact weather conditions typically can’t be predicted more than a week in advance, here’s a seasonal outlook to help you prepare for what winter will bring. Reminder: The first day of winter is Saturday, Dec. 21.
Temperature
We could go either way. This winter, Asheville shows moderate chances of having a slightly mild winter. The map indicates there’s a 40-50% chance temperatures that are above normal.
Precipitation
Expect slightly less precipitation. Asheville has a 33-40% chance of seeing less-than-average snow and rainfall amounts this winter.
Drought
Drought conditions are expected to improve this season.
Local Produce Surplus Sale | 12-6 p.m. | Mother Earth Food | $25+ | Stop by this weekly produce sale to pick up pre-made seasonal boxes starting at $25.
Sippin’ Santa Holiday Pop-up | Friday, Dec. 6-Wednesday, Dec. 18 | 3-10 p.m. | The Tiki Easy Bar | Free | Join this tropical holiday party with custom mugs and glassware, crafted cocktails, and rooms for reservation.
Saturday, Dec. 7
Coloring with Cats: Kiddie Edition | 1-1:30 p.m.| House of Black Cat Magic | $15+ | Bring the kids to this art class that provides markers, coloring books, and cuddly cats.
2024 Community Holiday Extravaganza + BIPOC Holiday Market | 12-4 p.m. | Arthur R. Edington Center | Free | Celebrate the season with family + friends while supporting literacy, creativity, and community engagement with free food, entertainment, and live readings with popular children’s authors.*
Sunday, Dec. 8
Reggae Sunday with Chalwa | 3-6 p.m. | French Broad Brewing | Free | Relax and listen to live music provided by local performer Chalwa at this dog-friendly brewery.
Monday, Dec. 9
Bad Art Night | Monday, Dec. 9 + Friday, Dec. 13 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Tempie Avery Montford Community Center | Free | Learn how to paint on a blank canvas at this all-skill level class that encourages creativity.
Asheville-born musician MJ Lenderman’s album “Manning Fireworks” was ranked the No. 3 best album of 2024 by Rolling Stone. Lenderman’s album outranked popular artists like Sabrina Carpenter and trailed Beyonce’s “Cowboy Carter” (No. 2) and Charli xcx’s “Brat” (No. 1). (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Edu
Warren Wilson College received the largest donation in university history at $10 million. The large sum of money comes from anonymous donors who value education and environmental sustainability.
Outdoors
The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s 2025 Winter Hiking Challenge is back, tasking the community to log 60 miles in 60 days, beginning Wednesday, Jan. 1. All types of movement count, including hiking trails, bike rides, and neighborhood walks. Registration is $25 per person.
Biz
Small business owners are invited to the Disaster Response: Small Business Resources, Insurance, and Claims session on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 1 p.m. The webinar, presented by FEMA and the SBA, will help owners navigate the process of applying for disaster relief claims, plus other best practices for future insurance claims. Register online.
Job
FEMA is hiring in the Asheville area, seeking on-call recovery employees to assist with long-term efforts from Hurricane Helene. Applicants can visit 192 Haywood St. on Monday, Dec. 16 + Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 10 a.m. to apply in person, or check out listings online.
Try This
Sparkling lights, velvet bows, and the smell of pine from a 35+ ft live Christmas tree. It’s officially Christmas at Biltmore®. Get a sneak peek of Biltmore and snag an Annual Pass at its most discounted price of the year.*
Travel
The bad news: Car repair costs have surged 17% in the last year, with some repairs exceeding $6,000. The good news: An Endurance protection plan could save you thousands. Sign up and receive $450 off your new contract, plus a free year of Elite Benefits. Get your free quote.*
Finance
How much could you borrow from your home? Get HELOC quotes now — calculate your payment.*
Trending
Looking for a five-minute national news read? Free newsletter 1440 navigates 100+ sources to deliver a comprehensive daily digest — from global events to business to culture.*
The Buy
The Buy
The AirFly Pro — it’s a nifty gadget that will wirelessly transmit audio from in-flight entertainment to Bluetooth headphones so you can ditch those pesky wired earbuds.
Welcome to the weekend, Asheville. If you are reading this, I’m either sipping some homemade cold brew, or my at-home science experiment comically failed. If it’s the latter, I’m picking up a coffee from a local roaster and you should too from a shop like Cooperative Coffee.
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