North Carolina’s coast wakes up to stiff air and quiet streets, with frost lingering on docks and windshields. The calm won’t hold. A developing Arctic pattern is pushing toward eastern North Carolina, raising the risk of winter weather and extended cold by the weekend.
The National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City reports no hazardous weather today, but confidence is growing that winter impacts arrive later this week. Today stays dry with increasing clouds and highs near the mid-50s. The breeze remains light, making conditions manageable for errands and commutes.
Tonight turns mostly cloudy with lows near 39. Roads stay dry, but the cooler air signals a pattern shift. Thursday brings a brief warm-up. Clouds thin, and highs climb into the low 60s, offering a short break before colder air presses south.
Friday marks the transition. Rain becomes possible during the day with highs near the mid-50s. By Friday night, temperatures drop quickly into the low 20s. Rain may mix with sleet, especially inland, as colder air deepens. Wet pavement could freeze late, creating slick spots.
Saturday looks unsettled and colder. Wintry mix develops with highs near 38. Rain and sleet remain possible through the day, then snow becomes more likely Saturday night as temperatures fall near 25. Bridges and exposed roads may turn icy fast.
Sunday stays raw. Rain dominates near the coast with highs around 40, while inland areas may see lingering wintry precipitation early. Travel impacts remain possible through the morning before conditions slowly improve.
Meteorologists are also tracking an Arctic air mass settling in late this weekend into early next week. The 6–10 day outlook favors below-normal temperatures across eastern North Carolina, with an extended stretch of sub-freezing mornings possible.
Five Day Weather Outlook for Morehead City / Newport, North Carolina
Today: Increasing clouds, high near 54
Thursday: Clearing, warmer, high near 62
Friday: Chance of rain, turning colder, high near 56
Saturday: Wintry mix possible, high near 38
Sunday: Rain likely, colder air holds, high near 40
