Cold air bites harder with each passing hour as winter tightens its grip across the Southeast. Skies may look calm at first glance, but conditions are lining up for a sharp turn as February begins, bringing snow, biting wind, and dangerous cold deeper into North Carolina.
According to the National Weather Service, an explosively strengthening coastal storm is developing as Arctic air surges south. Snow is expected to expand across the southern Appalachians and into central North Carolina as the system intensifies, with the strongest winds and heaviest snow potential developing by Monday into early Tuesday. Winter Storm Warnings already stretch across much of the Carolinas, with travel impacts likely to increase quickly.
For Raleigh and surrounding Triangle communities, the concern centers on accumulating snow, falling visibility, and rapidly dropping temperatures. Gusty winds may cause blowing snow on exposed roadways, while untreated bridges and ramps could turn slick fast. Drivers should plan extra time Monday, especially during evening commutes, and be ready for sudden slowdowns.
Behind the storm, an intense Arctic blast spills south. Wind chills are expected to plunge well below freezing, making short outdoor exposure uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. Flash freezing becomes a growing risk as any daytime melting refreezes after sunset, increasing the chance of accidents on secondary roads and sidewalks.
Looking ahead, colder-than-normal air lingers through midweek, even as precipitation chances gradually ease. Farther south, record-challenging warmth may build later in the week, setting up sharp temperature contrasts along the East Coast.
More alerts are likely as February unfolds. Are you seeing snow or icy patches where you live? Share what conditions look like near you.
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Raleigh, NC
• Monday: Snow developing with increasing wind; travel conditions deteriorate late
• Tuesday: Lingering snow or flurries; very cold and windy
• Wednesday: Dry but sharply cold; icy spots persist
• Thursday: Gradual moderation; cold mornings continue
• Friday: Milder trend with quieter weather returning
