Greenville, NC – A significant temperature contrast developed across eastern North Carolina Thursday afternoon, with Greenville running 10 to 15 degrees cooler than Jacksonville despite being only about 60 miles apart. The National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City office highlighted the sharp divide around 2 p.m.
According to NWS data, widespread sunshine across Onslow County allowed rapid solar heating in Jacksonville, pushing temperatures into the upper 60s. Meanwhile, lingering low clouds in Pitt County kept Greenville cooler, holding temperatures closer to the mid-50s. The temperature map released by forecasters shows this abrupt transition clearly, with several surrounding communities experiencing similar variations depending on cloud cover.
Meteorologists note that these types of micro-regional temperature splits are common during late-fall when cloud decks become stubborn and prevent warming in localized areas. Even short distances can experience dramatic differences when one area receives full sun and another remains socked in with low clouds or fog.
Forecasters say more variability is possible heading into the weekend as cloud cover and radiational cooling patterns continue to shift across eastern North Carolina. Residents should expect quick temperature swings depending on local sky conditions.
