North Carolina greets the coast with muted sunshine, damp ground, and a cool breeze off the water. For now, it feels manageable. That changes quickly. A developing cold push sends temperatures tumbling as the workweek winds down, replacing rain with crisp, winter air along the Crystal Coast.
According to the National Weather Service, scattered rain develops today before colder air arrives tonight. Any lingering showers fade Thursday as temperatures fall sharply. Highs drop from near 60 today into the mid-40s Thursday, then slip into the upper 40s Friday under clear skies. Overnight lows fall into the upper teens Thursday night, marking the coldest stretch of the week.
In Morehead City and nearby Newport, rain today gives way to clearing skies tonight. Winds turn northwest and strengthen, pulling in colder air. By early Friday, temperatures near 18 degrees could produce frost and freeze conditions inland, even near the coast. Sensitive plants and exposed pipes may be at risk.
Drivers should watch for slick spots late tonight and early Friday, especially on bridges and shaded roads where residual moisture may freeze. To be fair, no snow accumulation is expected, but the quick temperature drop increases the chance of black ice.
Friday brings sunshine but little warmth. Afternoon highs stay in the upper 40s, with a brisk feel near the water. The weekend improves briefly, with Saturday reaching the low 60s before another system approaches Sunday with a chance of rain mixing with snow inland.
Looking ahead, colder-than-normal air lingers into early next week, while precipitation chances increase regionally during the Jan 19–23 window.
Five Day Outlook for Morehead City, North Carolina
Thursday: Clearing, breezy, high near 44.
Friday: Sunny and cold, high near 47.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, milder, high near 62.
Sunday: Chance of rain and snow, high near 39.
Monday: Sunny and cool, high near 47.
