ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Western North Carolina is set for a colorful and celestial weekend, with prime leaf-peeping conditions and a chance to spot Comet Lemmon lighting up the autumn sky.
The National Weather Service forecasts dry and sunny weather through Saturday before a cold front brings rain and possible thunderstorms on Sunday. Temperatures are expected to reach near 80 degrees Saturday before cooling down to the low 70s Sunday and dipping into the 40s overnight.
For those heading outdoors, Saturday appears to be the best day for fall sightseeing or stargazing. Misty mornings will give way to warm, golden afternoons across the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest and high-elevation lookouts such as Mount Pisgah, Cherry Cove Overlook and Max Patch. Mid-elevation areas around 3,000 to 4,500 feet are showing peak fall color, according to Visit Asheville’s weekly foliage report.
Grandfather Mountain is also expected to see one of its busiest weekends of the season. Park officials urge visitors to make advance reservations online and arrive early to avoid long waits.
Meanwhile, night-sky watchers can look to the northwest after sunset for a glimpse of Comet Lemmon (C/2025 A6), which is growing brighter each night. The comet — first discovered earlier this year — is passing its closest point to Earth on Oct. 21, about half the distance between Earth and the sun, before circling the sun on Nov. 8.
For best viewing, find the Big Dipper and look just to the left of it after 8 p.m. The comet may be visible to the naked eye in dark areas, though binoculars or a smartphone camera could help. Astronomers say it should appear higher in the sky as October progresses but will fade in brightness by November as it moves farther from Earth.
With crisp air, vibrant color and a bright visitor from deep space, Western North Carolina’s weekend forecast offers a perfect mix of earth and sky.
