Those snow-covered mountains mean it’s getting chilly. | Photo via @gingersashevillelife
So far, Asheville has been chillin’ this year. The city has had a colder-than-average start to 2025, and the National Weather Service forecasts it will be snowy today.
Normally, the average high in Asheville in January is 48.9°, but every day this month has been colder than average. So, we’re staying inside and looking back at some of the headlines on the coldest day in Asheville history.
When the cold set records
Asheville’s coldest day on record took place on Jan. 21, 1985, when temperatures hit a record-breaking -16°.
That sure puts this weather in perspective, huh? The closest we’ve come to that temperature this month was when it hit 21.9° yesterday, Jan. 9.
While this month has been frigid so far, it’s not on track to break records. The coldest January in Asheville history had an average daily temperature of 24.8° in 1977.
Coloring with Cats: Kiddie Edition | 1-1:30 p.m. | House of Black Cat Magic | $15 | Relax with cats and color a feline image, purr-fect for kids 13 and under.
Don’t Tell Comedy | 6 p.m. | West Asheville | $25 | Enjoy a night of laughs from a secret comedian at a secret location; details will be sent after tickets are purchased.
Deep Rest: Restorative Yoga + Sound Healing | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | West Asheville Yoga | $25 | Relax your body with gentle poses and healing sounds designed to calm the nervous system and balance energy.
Sunday, Jan. 12
Country Brunch | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | Cost of meal | Enjoy a performance from regional country act Hearts Gone South as you dig into brunch.
Patriot’s Path: The Theseus Legacy | 3 p.m. | Tina McGuire Theatre | $10+ | Black Box Dance Theatre, Brothers and Sisters Like These, and local veterans perform to tell stories of history, myths, and a hero’s journey.
Byrds of a Feather | 8 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | $18+ | This one’s for The Byrds — the Asheville band honors Gene Clark and Gram Parsons at their 14th annual tribute.
Snow and sleet are arriving in Asheville today. The winter weather is forecast to get heavier this afternoon and last through early tomorrow morning. The National Weather Service expects the storm will bring up to 3 inches of snow + a Winter Storm Watch is in effect through 7 a.m. tomorrow.
Ranked
Asheville was named one of the best places to visit in the world, ranking No. 16 on The New York Times’ “52 Places to Go in 2025.” The list noted Asheville’s vibrant arts and museums and praised our strong, inviting community that has been helping to rebuild after Helene.
Opening
Grind AVL is brewing again and is ready to reopen after a three-month closure. The coffee shop + community space will return Monday, Jan. 13 at 9 a.m. with a refreshed menu, rewards program, and upcoming events.
Stat
5%. That’s how much the living wage in Buncombe County has risen from last year, according to Just Economics of Western North Carolina. This year, workers need to earn an hourly wage of $23.15 to afford a one-bedroom apartment, up from $22.10 in 2024. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Job
Asheville had the nation’s highest year-over-year unemployment rate increase in November 2024, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. That month’s 6.1% unemployment rate was 3.4 percentage points higher than November 2023; the city continues to support economic growth with post-Helene recovery efforts.
Number
6,600. That’s how many servings of fresh fruits and vegetables were grown and distributed by Southside Community Farm according to its 2024 Annual Report. The Black-led organization aims to improve food access and relies on volunteers to support operations.
New car insurance. Real talk — car insurance prices are expected to jump 22% by end of year, according to a recent study. It’s worth shopping around and comparing rates on Money’s Best Car Insurance list to make sure you’re getting the best price.
With snowy weather in the forecast, I plan on spending the night inside — but I can still get a glimpse of Asheville + WNC by watching movies filmed in the area. I might even take a peak inside Biltmore Estate and watch “Being There” from 1979 that was filmed inside the historic house.
Answered
Answered
We asked: Do you ever order mocktails at bars or restaurants?
At NOLO, you can raise a non-alcoholic glass to 2025. | Photo via @atomic_furnishing
We wrote about mocktails to try in Asheville, and it turns out, over two-thirds of AVLtoday’s readers have ordered mocktails or are interested in trying them.
When asked if you order mocktails, you said: No — 29.3% Not yet, but I’m interested — 27.1% Yes, occasionally — 22.7% Yes, all the time — 21%
Want to mix it up and try a non-alcoholic beverage? Explore more local spots where you can order one by hitting the button below.
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