Weather Events by Date

January 3, 1877, Coldest day of a Cold Winter – The Charlotte Observer (January 4, 1877) reported that January 3 was the coldest day of this very cold winter. "Sleighing was never better here. . . . The cold has kept everyone off the streets except the faithful policemen." The Charlotte Observer (January 5, 1877) stated that it was difficult for two men to agree how many degrees below zero it was on the 3^rd.
January 7, 1854, Eight inches of Snow – The North Carolina Whig (January 10, 1854) reported that snow fell to a depth of eight inches. Brevard Davidson wrote in his diary that it was a nine and half inch snow at his farm in northwest Mecklenburg County. (Williams, Ann. (The Rural Hill Farm Journals of Adam Brevard Davidson 1834-1856. Antebellum Books, 2017).
January 8-9, 1866, Ice on Ponds 3.5 Inches Deep – The Western Democrat (January 16, 1866) reported that these were the coldest days in many years. The ice on ponds was 3.5 inches thick
January 17-27, 1857, Bitter Cold for Ten Days and Two and a Half Feet of Snow on the Streets – An East Coast storm dumped record amounts of snow from Georgia to Maine. In Charlotte The Western Democrat (January. 20 and 27, 1857) reported drifts two and half feet deep on the streets. The “oldest inhabitants” said it was the greatest storm ever in this part of the country. The North Carolina Whig (January 20 and 27, 1857) reported drifts of three to four feet. Passengers on an eastbound train from Charlotte only got as far as Jamestown, N.C. where they were stranded for three days as workers cleared drifts up to 11 feet deep. Norfolk, Virginia reportedly had 20 foot drifts of snow. The Western Democrat (February 24, 1857) gives a summary and additional data about the storm in other parts of the country. The Charlotte Observer (December 29, 1876) reported that the snow in that year was probably the most since the 1857 storm when up to 24 inches fell. Following the record snowstorm of January 17-18, bitter cold gripped the area continuously for ten days. It surpassed any previously known cold in Mecklenburg according to The Western Democrat (January 27, 1857). The North Carolina Whig (January 27. 1857) reported that it was two below zero on January 20.
January 19, 1826, Ten to Twelve Inches of Snow – The Catawba Journal (January 24, 1826) reported that 10 to 12 inches of snow fell. It mentioned that “so large a body of snow has not fallen in this county at any one time for many years.”
February 12-13, 1858, Dangerous Ice Storm – A severe snow, freezing rain and sleet storm damaged many of the city’s shade trees, especially the elm trees. The North Carolina Whig (February 16, 1858) reported that it was dangerous to ride in the woods due to falling limbs. The Western Democrat (February 16, 1858) reported the measurement of the "snow with a thick crust of ice" at four to five inches.
February 24, 1854, Heaviest Rain in 20 Years – The Western Democrat (March 3, 1854) reported on "one of the heaviest falls of water we have had in twenty years." It began raining at 8 PM Saturday and "poured in torrents until after daylight Sunday morning." The Catawba River was higher than it was in 1840.
March 1, 1872, Eight-Inch March Snow – The Charlotte Democrat (March 5, 1872) reported that there was a heavy snow storm with up to eight inches of snow.
March 15, 1867, Late Snow – The Western Democrat (March 19, 1867) reported a heavy snow. "Peach and other fruit trees were in full bloom, and we fear that fruit will be scarce again this year.”
March 20, 1876, First Snow – The Charlotte Democrat (March 20, 1876) reported a late first snow of the winter with up to five inches of snow overnight and still snowing at 8 am.
March 20-21, 1863, Late Snow – The Western Democrat (March 24, 1863) reported that there was heavy sleet and some snow. There was fear that early fruit has been injured.
March 22, 1864, Late Snow – The Western Democrat (March 29, 1864) reported the heaviest snow we have seen since January 1857 occurred on March 22.
March 30, 1841, Eight to Ten Inches Snow – The Charlotte Journal (April 1, 1841) described the eight to ten inch snow as the deepest snow of that winter. There was no mail from the north due to the snow blocking the railroad. The Mecklenburg Jeffersonian (March 30, 1841) stated that snow began on the 30^th at 10 pm and continued until 10 pm the next day.
April 3 and 4, 1875, April Freeze – The Charlotte Democrat (April 19, 1875) reported a very heavy freeze on both nights and that the weather was intensely cold April 19, 1876, Late Frost Day – The Charlotte Democrat (April 24, 1876) Heavy frost mentioned.
April 9, 1845, Late Frost Day - The Mecklenburg Jeffersonian (April 11, 1845) reported the "calamity" of a frost "All tender vegetation was completely destroyed and many of the trees of the forest look as if they had been scotched by fire." Ice an inch thick resulted in "disastrous" consequences.
April 9, 1866, April Snow – The Western Democrat (April 10, 1866) reported that snow fell in sufficient quantity in Charlotte to cover the tops of houses.
April 10, 1874, Late Frost day – The Charlotte Democrat (April 14, 1874) mentioned that there was frost on April 10.
April 13, 1857, Late Frost Day – The North Carolina Whig (April 14, 1857) reported a late overight frost.
April 15, 1849, Five Inches of Snow – Dr. J. B. Alexander in The History of Mecklenburg County wrote that it snowed five inches in Charlotte on this date. “All vegetation was killed, no fruit that was in bloom escaped being killed.” A decade later The North Carolina Whig (May 04, 1858) article referred to this storm when the roses were already in bloom and trees green as one of the latest and heaviest snows remembered by residents. The snow was reported in other parts of North Carolina with five inches in Wilmington (Wilmington Journal April 20, 1849), eight inches in Tarboro (Tarboro Press April 21, 1949) and five inches in Fayetteville (North Carolinian April 21, 1849). Brevard Davidson wrote in his diary that it was a two-inch snow at his farm in northwest Mecklenburg County. (Williams, Ann. The Rural Hill Farm Journals of Adam Brevard Davidson 1834-1856. Antebellum Books, 2017).
April, 15, 1858, Late Frost Day – The North Carolina Whig (April 20, 1858) reported “quite a frost” but had no reports of any damage.
April 18, 1872, Destructive Storm – The Charlotte Democrat (April 23, 1872) reported that a storm and tornado went from Chester, S.C. up the Steele Creek neighborhood in Mecklenburg County doing considerable damage to several farms. There was also a "terrific hail storm" but it did not do much damage. The storm moved in an eastward direction and was about a mile wide. Houses, trees, fences and out buildings were blown down.
April 19, 1855, 96 Degrees in April – From The Diary of Mr. James Harvey Carson: “Thermometer at 96 degrees”.
April 20, 1848, Late Frost Day – Brevard Davidson wrote in his diary that there was a frost on May 1. (Williams, Ann. The Rural Hill Farm Journals of Adam Brevard Davidson 1834-1856. Antebellum Books, 2017)
April 22, 1875, Late Frost Day – The Charlotte Democrat (April 26, 1875) reported frost on April 22 was "as heavy as we ever saw and looked like snow had fallen during the night."
April 23, 1871, Late Frost day – The Charlotte Democrat (April 25, 1871) reported a heavy frost April 23.
April 23, 1872, Late Frost day – The Charlotte Democrat (April 30, 1872) reported frost on April 23.
April 25, 1873, Late Frost day – The Charlotte Democrat (May 06, 1873) mentioned that there was a heavy frost April 25
April 27, 1858, Late Frost day – The Western Democrat (May 11, 1858) mentioned that there was a heavy frost on April 27 but it was not as destructive as it was feared.
April 28, 1848, Hail as Large as Partridge Eggs – Brevard Davidson wrote in his diary that there was heavy rain and hail on April 28^th which was largest he had ever seen with some of it as large as partridge eggs. (Williams, Ann. The Rural Hill Farm Journals of Adam Brevard Davidson 1834-1856. Antebellum Books, 2017)
April 29, 1874, Late Snow – The Charlotte Observer (April 30, 1874) reported a light snowfall in the city. It was accompanied by a little hail and rain and melted as it fell.
May 1, 1875, Heavy Wind and Rain – The Charlotte Democrat (May 03, 1875) Reported a heavy wind and rain storm blew down a few houses, trees and fences. The storm was more severe in Cabarrus County.
May 1, 1854, Late Frost Day – Brevard Davidson wrote in his diary that there was a sharp frost on May 1. (Williams, Ann. The Rural Hill Farm Journals of Adam Brevard Davidson 1834-1856. Antebellum Books, 2017)
May 6-10, 1873, Three Days of Heavy Rain – According to The Charlotte Democrat (May 13, 1873) it rained for three days steadily and heavily. The rivers and creeks were the highest in 25 years. There was considerable damage done along the Catawba River.
May 7, 1845, Late Frost Day - The Mecklenburg Jeffersonian (May 30, 1845) stated that several gentlemen saw frost but there was not enough to do any injury.
May 7, 1855, Drought in County – From The Diary of Mr. James Harvey Carson: Many portions of the county are still suffering from drought.
May 9, 1855, Late Frost Day – The Diary of Mr. James Harvey Carson noted that there was frost this morning, but not enough to do much injury to vegetation.
May 9, 1867, Wind, Rain and Hail Storm – The Western Democrat (May 14, 1867) reported that there was "a heavy storm of rain and wind accompanied by hail. . . . The hail was quite heavy and did considerable damage to growing cotton and wheat" especially in the Steele Creek and Providence neighborhoods.
May 9, 1867, Late Frost day – The Western Democrat (May 14, 1867) mentioned that there was frost in some areas but that it did no harm.
May 12, 1869, Severe Storm – According to The Western Democrat (May 18, 1869) one of the heaviest wind and rain storms within the past 10 years visited the area. Damage was done to the crops, out buildings and fences. "It seems that a hurricane or tornado, covering a breadth of not over 300 yards, accompanied the general storm." The Steele Creek and Paw Creek neighborhoods had the most damage.
May 13, 1848, Late Frost Day – Brevard Davidson wrote in his diary that there was a sharp frost on May 13 and it killed six or seven acres of his cotton. (Williams, Ann. The Rural Hill Farm Journals of Adam Brevard Davidson 1834-1856. Antebellum Books, 2017)
May 14, 1857, Destructive Hail Storm – A wind and hail storm hit portions of the county destroying crops, killing pigs and chickens and damaging fences and houses. According to one witness, the wind had drifted the hail to a depth of one foot in places. The Western Democrat (May 19, 1857)
May 18 and 19, 1875, Late Frost Day – Dr. J. D. Alexander in The History of Mecklenburg County wrote that frost was so heavy that crops were killed.
May 20-27, 1867, Cold in Late May – The Western Democrat (May 28, 1867) reported that it was cold enough to make fire comfortable and blankets necessary at night.
May 23, 1867, Late Frost Day – From The Western Democrat (May 28, 1867) “We are assured that frost was visible in certain localities.” This is the 2^ndlatest date that frost is reported in the sources that were reviewed.
May 30, 1845, Latest Date of Reported Frost – Brevard Davidson wrote in his diary on May 30, 1845 that there was cold dry weather and some frost. (Williams, Ann. The Rural Hill Farm Journals of Adam Brevard Davidson 1834-1856. Antebellum Books, 2017). This is the latest date that frost is reported in the sources that were reviewed
June 12-17, 1876, Catawba River Highest in at Least 100 Years – Local newspapers reported the damage from this flood for over a month as reports of the damage came in. The Catawba River was two feet higher than the highest water mark that could be traced back 100 years according to a local resident. Two mills in Mecklenburg County were washed away. Crops were heavily damaged. The Charlotte Observer (June 21, 1876). The bridge at Powell’s Factory on the Catawba in Iredell was washed away and crops were washed away. The Charlotte Observer (June 22, 1876). "The road from Asheville to Warm Springs was literally destroyed." The Charlotte Democrat (July 17, 1876). Half of the town of Marshall was reported washed away. The Sun (July 4, 1876). Two spans of an elegant new bridge over the Haw River were washed away. The Charlotte Observer (July 1876).
June 19, 1860, Dreadful Hail Storm – The Western Democrat (June 26, 1860) "One of the most terrible hail storms ever witnessed passed over the southern part of Mecklenburg." It left some places covered with several inches of hail stones, some measuring eight inches in circumference [2.5 inches in diameter]. It damaged crops and even peeled bark from trees.
July 1, 1856, Wind, Hail and Rain Storm – A wind, hail and rainstorm passed over parts of the western part of the county and did much damage to crops. Western Democrat (July 08, 1856)
July 15-17, 1868, Drought for a Month – The Western Democrat (July 21, 1868) reported that these were "the warmest days ever felt in this country." It also mentioned that this area had suffered from drought for the last month.
August 14, 1837, Six Foot Rise in River - The Charlotte Journal (August 18, 1837) reported “one of the severest storms of rains of which we have any recollection.” The Catawba river rose rapidly about six feet. “A great quantity of rain” had also fallen over the previous ten days, inundating low-lying fields.
August 16-21, 1848, Heavy Rains – Brevard Davidson wrote in his diary about heavy rains almost every day from August 16 to August 21 and that on the 21^st the river was 12 to 14 feet above normal. (Williams, Ann. The Rural Hill Farm Journals of Adam Brevard Davidson 1834-1856. Antebellum Books, 2017)
August 20, 1848, Heavy Rains and Tornado - A tornado 40 yards wide and heavy rains swept across parts of the county causing damage to trees, crops, fences and roofs. The Charlotte Journal (August 23, 1848)
August 24, 1850, Tremendous Wind and Rain Storm – The Charlotte Journal (August 28, 1850) reported a severe storm of wind and rain in some areas. "The Catawba River and nearly every creek was swollen to a tremendous height. . . . The whole expanse of water was covered with rafts of floating timber, watermelons &c. The river was about 10 feet above normal."
August 27-28, 1852 River Highest since 1840 – Brevard Davidson wrote in his diary that there was heavy rains on August 27 and on August 28. He recorded that the river was about 28.5 feet high which was the highest since 1840. (Williams, Ann. The Rural Hill Farm Journals of Adam Brevard Davidson 1834-1856. Antebellum Books, 2017).
August 30, 1870, Destructive Storm – The Western Democrat (September 6, 1870) reported that there was a "terrific storm of wind, rain and hail" that covered a width of 1.5 miles. It damaged crops and buildings.
September 15, 1860, Early Frost Day – The Western Democrat (September 18, 1860) reported frost in the neighborhood on September 15. This is the earliest date that frost was reported in the sources reviewed.
September 24, 1848, Early Frost Day – Brevard Davidson wrote in his diary that there was a light frost. (Williams, Ann. The Rural Hill Farm Journals of Adam Brevard Davidson 1834-1856. Antebellum Books, 2017)
September 27, 1875, Early Frost Day – The Charlotte Democrat (October 4, 1875) reported the first frost was on September 27.
September 28,1858, Early Frost Day – The Western Democrat (October 5, 1858) reported that there had been "a pretty heavy frost in this section" on September 28.
September 28, 1876, Early Frost Day – The Charlotte Democrat (October 02, 1876) mentioned the first frost was on September 28.
September 29, 1871, Early Frost Day – The Charlotte Democrat (October 03, 1871) reported that the first killing frost on September 29 was thick enough to write names in it.
September 30 and October 1, 1857, Early Frost Day – The Western Democrat (October 06, 1857) reported that there was frost on September 30^th and October 1.
September 30-October 1, 1874, Hurricane on the Coast – A hurricane was reported in September 30-October 1, 1874 along the coast with Wilmington, Charleston and Savanah seeing the most damage. There was no report of any impact in Mecklenburg County. According to The Wilmington Journal (October 2, 1874) “The blow could hardly have extended very far to the interior, as yesterday’s Raleigh papers seem to have been unaware of the fact that there had been a heavy storm on the coast.” There was no mention of any weather related to the hurricane in Charlotte from local newspapers.
October 2, 1863, Wind Storm – The Western Democrat (October 6, 1863) reported a heavy wind storm in the Steele Creek neighborhood did considerable damage to a dwelling, stables, barns and fences. It (the paper calls it a hurricane) covered a space of about 150 yards in width and carried some ears of corn for 200 yards.
October 4, 1841 Early Frost Day – The Mecklenburg Jeffersonian (October 5, 1841) reported the first frost of the season.
October 5, 1865, Early Frost Day – The Western Democrat (October 10, 1865) mentioned the first frost of 1865 was October 5.
October 7, 1873, Early Frost Day – The Charlotte Democrat (October 14, 1873) stated that the first frost was on October 07.
October 8, 1849, Early Frost Day – Brevard Davidson wrote in his diary that there was a very light frost on October 8 and 9. (Williams, Ann. The Rural Hill Farm Journals of Adam Brevard Davidson 1834-1856. Antebellum Books, 2017)
October 8, 1864, Early Frost Day – The Western Democrat (October 11, 1864) reported the first frost of year was October 8.
October 8, 1867, Early Frost Day – The Western Democrat (October 15, 1867) mentioned the first frost of the year was on October 8.
October 11, 1830, Violent Hail Storm – A violent hail storm destroyed the cotton crop which would probably result in only a fourth of the usual production. The Miners and Farmers’ Journal (October 18, 1830)
October 12, 1853, Early Frost Day – Brevard Davidson wrote in his diary that there was a very light frost on October 12. (Williams, Ann. The Rural Hill Farm Journals of Adam Brevard Davidson 1834-1856. Antebellum Books, 2017)
October 12, 1872, Early Frost Day – The Charlotte Democrat (October 15, 1872) mentioned a heavy frost on October 12.
October 13 and 14, 1843, Early Frost Day - Brevard Davidson wrote in his diary that there was a killing frost on these two days. (Williams, Ann. The Rural Hill Farm Journals of Adam Brevard Davidson 1834-1856. Antebellum Books, 2017).
October 13, 1874, Early Frost Day – The Charlotte Democrat (October 19, 1874) reported the first killing frost was on October 13
October 15, 1847, Early Frost Day - Brevard Davidson wrote in his diary that the first frost was October 15^th and it damaged the cotton leaves. (Williams, Ann. The Rural Hill Farm Journals of Adam Brevard Davidson 1834-1856. Antebellum Books, 2017
October 17 and 24, 1845, Early Frost Day – Brevard Davidson wrote in his diary that there was a sharp frost on October 24 which was the first to do any harm except one about a week ago. (Williams, Ann. The Rural Hill Farm Journals of Adam Brevard Davidson 1834-1856. Antebellum Books, 2017)
October 19, 20 and 21, 1846, Early Frost Day - The Mecklenburg Jeffersonian (October 23, 1846) reported very heavy white frosts on all these days. Brevard Davidson also wrote in his diary about the sharp frost on October 19th that killed most of the cotton blossoms. (Williams, Ann. The Rural Hill Farm Journals of Adam Brevard Davidson 1834-1856. Antebellum Books, 2017)
November 3, 1846, Catawba River 23 Feet above Common Water – Brevard Davidson wrote in his diary that the river was about 23 feet past common water which was the highest since 1840. (Williams, Ann. The Rural Hill Farm Journals of Adam Brevard Davidson 1834-1856. Antebellum Books, 2017)
November 3, 1856, Tornado – The Western Democrat (November 18, 1856) reported a tornado that went across Mecklenburg County from the Catawba River to Cabarrus County. There was great property damage but no serious human injuries. (See also J. B. Alexander, Reminiscences of the Past Sixty Years (Charlotte, 1908) pp.335-336)
November 7, 1877, Early Frost Day – The Charlotte Democrat (November 09, 1877) reported that the first killing frost was on November 07.
November 16, 1858, Early Snow – There was a “slight sprinkling of snow” in Charlotte. The Western Democrat (November 23, 1858) mentioned that it was unusually early for snow.
November 29, 1842, Early Snow – The Charlotte Journal (December 8, 1842) reported quite a storm of snow and several days of severe cold.
November 30, 1871, November Snow – The Charlotte Democrat (December 05, 1871) reported the first snow of the season and it was unusually heavy besides being earlier than for many years past.
December 9, 1864, Early December Snow – The Western Democrat (December 13, 1864) reported that several inches of sleet and snow covered the ground.
December 10, 1876, First snow – The Charlotte Democrat (December 11, 1876) reported the first snow of the season.
December 11, 1872, First snow – The Charlotte Democrat (December 17, 1872) reported the first snow of the season. It was "not deep, but cold enough to run wood up to an extravagant figure."
December 15, 1866, December Snow – The Western Democrat (December 18, 1866) “A heavy snow and sleet fell here last Saturday.”
December 15, 1867, December Snow – The Western Democrat (December 17, 1867) reported the first snow of the season.
December 22-25, 1870, Five Degrees above Zero – The Western Democrat (January 3, 1871) reported that the first snow of the season fell followed by three days of colder weather, the thermometer going down to five degrees above zero.
December 23-24, 1876, Big Snow – The Charlotte Observer (December 29, 1876) reported that this two day snow was "one of the deepest ever known here." It mentioned that the snow of 1857 was up to 24 inches so this was probably the most since then. It measured up to 16 inches in the open fields in the country. The snow lasted through Christmas and by then the small supply of sleighs had been increased with a few new ones that were "manufactured for the occasion." Many people were able to enjoy the pleasure of sleighing on Christmas.
December 25, 1857, Christmas Snow – “We had a brisk fall of snow for five hours in this place on Christmas morning” reported The Western Democrat (December 29, 1857).
December 25, 1873, Christmas Snow – The Charlotte Observer (January 30, 1873) reported intervals of snow, sleet and rain "but it did not keep from the streets a large number of those who seek pleasure in popping of the fire cracker, and kindred pastimes."
December 29, 1866- January 2, 1867, Snow for five Days – The Western Democrat (January 8, 1867) reported that it snowed at intervals for five days covering the ground with several inches. “Such a severe spell of weather has not occurred within the past 10 years.”
December 30-31, 1867, Snow for 48 hours – The Western Democrat (January 7, 1868) "Snow, sleet and rain fell alternately for about 48 hours and the whole was frozen into a solid mass on the ground as fast as it fell. The result was that the ground was covered to the depth of several inches. We have not had such a severe spell of weather since January 1857.”
December 31, 1859- January 10, 1860, Intense Cold and Snow on Ground for Several Days – The Western Democrat (January 10, 1860) reported that it was intensely cold. Snow fell on December 31, 1859 and remained for eight or ten days. "Ice on the ponds has been in excellent condition for skating."

You are here