Raleigh, North Carolina – Winter may linger a bit longer across North Carolina, but signs still point toward a milder path into spring compared to much of the country. Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow Monday morning, signaling six more weeks of winter by tradition and pushing the typical nationwide warm-up closer to mid-March.
According to the National Weather Service, North Carolina is grouped within a broader Southeast region that leans toward above-normal temperatures from February through April. That suggests colder shots are still possible, especially overnight and in the mountains, but prolonged winter conditions are less likely than farther north. Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, and the Triangle could see brief cool spells through March, followed by more frequent springlike afternoons as the season progresses.
Precipitation trends also stand out. According to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, much of the Southeast, including North Carolina, is expected to see below-normal precipitation during that same period. That could limit winter storm impacts statewide while increasing the risk of early-season dryness, particularly across central and eastern counties. Western North Carolina may still see occasional mountain snow or cold rain during passing systems, but widespread winter hazards are expected to be limited.
The Farmers’ Almanac notes that spring officially begins Friday, March 20, and highlights a total lunar eclipse early Tuesday, March 3, visible across much of the eastern U.S. While winter is not finished yet, North Carolina appears positioned for a smoother transition toward spring. Residents should still plan for short-term cold snaps, but warmer patterns are expected to become more common as March moves forward, with additional updates possible in the weeks ahead.
