Wilmington, NC – An unusually prolonged stretch of Arctic cold is pushing deep into the Coastal Carolinas, with dangerously cold temperatures expected to persist through Sunday, February 2, impacting communities from coastal North Carolina to South Carolina.
According to the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center, much-below-normal temperatures will continue across eastern North Carolina and South Carolina, including coastal counties that rarely experience prolonged freezes. Overnight lows are expected to fall into the 20s, with some inland coastal communities dipping into the upper teens. Wind chills may drop into the teens and single digits, especially overnight.
Forecasters say repeated surges of Arctic air are preventing normal warming, making this the longest duration cold event in decades for parts of the Carolinas’ coast. Daytime highs are forecast to remain in the 30s and low 40s, offering limited relief even during peak afternoon hours.
Another reinforcing push of cold air is expected late Friday into Saturday, keeping freezing conditions in place through the weekend. Officials warn the extended cold increases the risk of burst pipes, damage to exposed plumbing, and harm to sensitive vegetation, particularly in coastal areas unaccustomed to sustained freezing temperatures.
Agricultural interests are also being urged to protect winter crops, while residents are encouraged to bring pets indoors, insulate outdoor faucets, and check on elderly neighbors. Boaters and fishermen should be aware that cold air combined with gusty winds may create hazardous conditions on coastal waters.
