Newport, NC – A very cold night is underway across eastern North Carolina, with temperatures already in the upper 20s early Friday evening and expected to fall into the low to mid-20s across most communities by daybreak, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Newport/Morehead City.
The sharp drop in temperatures follows several days of well-below-normal conditions across the region. NWS meteorologists reported a reading of 28 degrees at the Newport office as of 7:10 PM, with widespread freezing expected overnight under mostly clear skies and light winds—ideal conditions for rapid cooling.
Saturday will remain cool despite abundant sunshine. Highs are forecast to reach 45–50°F inland, with overnight lows Saturday night dipping back into the 30–40°F range. While temperatures will remain below seasonal averages, dry weather will make for a quiet and crisp start to the final weekend of November.
A more noticeable warmup arrives Sunday as southerly flow returns ahead of an approaching system. Highs are expected to climb into the 62–68°F range across much of eastern North Carolina, including areas from New Bern to Jacksonville and the Crystal Coast. Most of the day will remain dry, but a slight chance of rain develops late Sunday afternoon and evening as moisture increases.
Rain chances rise again into Tuesday as the next system approaches from the west. NWS encourages residents to monitor updates, especially with temperature swings and periodic rain chances over the next several days.
For now, residents should prepare for another freezing night and protect sensitive plants, outdoor pets, and exposed pipes where necessary.
