Morehead City, North Carolina – Summer-like heat is surging across eastern North Carolina right now, with inland temperatures pushing into the upper 80s before a cold front arrives later tonight.
According to the National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City, inland communities including Greenville, Kinston, and New Bern could reach 85 to 87 degrees Friday, challenging record highs. Meanwhile, coastal areas like Morehead City and the Outer Banks will stay significantly cooler, with highs in the upper 60s to low 70s due to chilly ocean air.
This sharp temperature contrast will fade quickly after sunset. A cold front is expected to move through the region this evening into tonight, bringing light rain and a noticeable drop in temperatures.
Roads along US-70, US-17, and NC-24 could become slick during passing showers, though rainfall amounts are expected to remain light.
Residents should prepare for rapidly changing conditions, especially if heading out this evening.
Cooler, more seasonable air settles in by Saturday, ending the brief heat spike, with additional updates possible if rain coverage increases overnight.
