North Carolina – Cold air pours off the water, flags snap along the Crystal Coast, and the chill cuts deeper with each passing hour as winter tightens its grip. What feels manageable now will turn dangerous quickly after sunset, especially for anyone unprepared.
According to the National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City, an Extreme Cold Warning is in effect from midnight through 8 a.m. Sunday for Greene, Pitt, northern Craven, and west Carteret counties. Wind chills are expected to drop to around 3 degrees above zero, cold enough to cause frostbite or hypothermia with prolonged exposure. The extended freeze also raises concern for ruptured water pipes.
In Morehead City and nearby Newport, temperatures rise to the upper 30s today under sunny skies, but brisk northwest winds keep it feeling colder. Winds increase through the afternoon, setting the stage for rapid cooling after dark. By late evening, readings fall into the teens, with wind chills dropping sharply by midnight.
Travel impacts remain limited for now, but early-morning drivers Sunday should watch for slick patches on bridges and low-lying roads. Any lingering moisture can freeze quickly before sunrise. Residents are urged to wrap exposed pipes, drip faucets if needed, and bring pets indoors before nightfall.
Sunday brings sunshine and improvement, though the cold lingers. Highs struggle into the mid-30s, and another chilly night follows with lows near 18. Relief arrives early next week. Monday turns sunnier and milder, with highs climbing into the mid-40s. By Tuesday, temperatures surge toward 60 as a broader warming trend spreads across the Southeast.
Looking ahead to the 6–10 day window, above-normal temperatures appear likely, signaling a February thaw despite lingering winter hazards now. For tonight, limit time outside, dress in layers, and check on neighbors who may need help. How cold did it feel along the coast where you are?
Five-Day Weather for Morehead City, North Carolina
- Today: Sunny and breezy. High near 39.
- Tonight: Clear and blustery early. Low near 17. Extreme cold late.
- Sunday: Sunny and cold. High near 34.
- Monday: Sunny. High near 44.
- Tuesday: Sunny and warmer. High near 58.
