Good evening, North Carolina. We’re wrapping up the day for you with the most important stories you need to know and your weather outlook.

Your Weather Planner

Chilly weather continues as we head into the weekend.

The cold air over the region will be reinforced by another cold front Saturday night.

It will be even cooler Sunday, then we see a warming trend as we as we get into the new week. 

Clouds will be on the increase for Thanksgiving, and there may be some rain to dampen travel plans. Widespread rain is expected for Friday.

Get your full forecast: Charlotte | Triad | Triangle | Coastal | Mountain

Tomorrow's Forecast

 

Today's Big Stories

1. Will North Carolina get offshore wind farms? Right now it’s up to one state commission

The North Carolina Utilities Commission has a Dec. 31 deadline to release its carbon plan for power companies in the state. Offshore wind could prove to be a key part of North Carolina's energy production in the future, but advocates and power companies are waiting for the Utilities Commission's final plan.

2. The Charlotte Observer: North Carolina hospitals restrict visitors under strain of ‘concerning’ flu surge

As a result of a rapid increase in flu cases and other respiratory viruses throughout the state, several North Carolina health care systems have enforced strict visitation restrictions at hospitals. As of Wednesday, 23 influenza-related deaths have been reported. Of those fatalities, 22 patients were adults.

3. 'Ruby' the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree arrives

Christmas has come - at least at the U.S. Capitol, where the official Christmas tree arrived Friday from North Carolina. The path the massive tree has taken to become a symbol of Christmas for the nation is from deep within the Pisgah National Forest. The red spruce is 78 feet tall.

4. Charlotte voters approve $50 million affordable housing bond

The money will go toward the Housing Trust Fund, which has been in existence for 20 years. During that time, the city said it has created or repaired more than 10,000 affordable housing units. The funding will be used through 2024.

Your Notes for the Weekend

Saturday

  • The Duke football team travels to the Pittsburgh Panthers for a noon kickoff
  • N.C. State plays Louisville on the road at 3:30 p.m.
  • UNC hosts Georgia Tech at 5:30 p.m.
  • The N.C. State basketball team hosts Elon at 1 p.m.
  • The Carolina Hurricanes go on the road to face the Minnesota Wild at 8 p.m.
  • President Biden’s granddaughter Naomi Biden is getting married at the White House
  • Republican Jewish Coalition’s Annual Leadership Meeting in Las Vegas
  • COP27 talks continue in Egypt, summit was extended to reach climate deal
  • Vice President Kamala Harris attends final day of APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting
  • National Dog Show
  • National Adoption Day

Sunday

  • The Carolina Panthers play the Baltimore Ravens on the road for a 1 p.m. kickoff
  • The UNC basketball team hosts James Madison at noon
  • The Charlotte Hornets travel to the Washington Wizards for a 6 p.m. tipoff
  • FIFA World Cup soccer begins in Qatar (without alcoholic beer for sale at the stadiums)
  • President Joe Biden celebrates 80th birthday
  • Cleveland Browns vs. Buffalo Bills game being played in Detroit
  • American Music Awards​

 

In Case You Missed It 

Union County cross-country runners climb national rankings as trophies pile up
 

The Cuthbertson High School girls' cross-country team has won every state championship in its division since 2018, five straight years of dominance. Later this month, the team is set to participate in a regional cross-country meet put on by apparel company Nike, with a chance to then race for a national championship in Portland, Oregon.