Raleigh, NC – Sunday’s surge into the upper 80s placed the Triangle in rare territory, with a high of 88°F and a low of 52°F—a temperature combination that has only occurred five times on record.
According to data highlighted by the National Weather Service and Weathergami, this specific high-low pairing is uncommon in Raleigh-Durham’s historical record, with the last occurrence dating back to June 1968. While not record-breaking, the setup stands out for late March, when average highs typically sit in the mid-60s.
The unusual warmth reflects a broader trend across the Southeast, where strong springtime ridging is pushing temperatures well above seasonal norms. Cities across central North Carolina, including Durham, Chapel Hill, and Fayetteville, all experienced similar above-average warmth heading into the week.
By comparison, coastal climates like Astoria, Oregon, see these types of temperature swings more frequently due to marine influence, while inland areas like Raleigh tend to have wider variability—making this exact combination more rare.
Residents can expect a cooldown later this week as a front moves through, bringing temperatures closer to seasonal averages. Even so, this early-season heat offers a preview of summer-like conditions that may return in the coming weeks.
