Raleigh, North Carolina – A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect overnight as dangerous wind chills develop across parts of central and eastern North Carolina.
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, the advisory will remain in effect from 11 p.m. tonight through 10 a.m. Sunday for the Sandhills and Coastal Plain regions. Wind chills between 5 and 10 degrees are expected within the advisory area, creating potentially hazardous conditions for anyone spending extended time outdoors.
Forecasters say cold temperatures combined with lingering winds will drive the lowest wind chills during the pre-dawn and early morning hours Sunday. Areas outside the advisory may also experience wind chills in the 5 to 10 degree range, but advisory criteria in those locations is lower, generally below 5 degrees.
Counties within the Sandhills and Coastal Plain, including areas along major travel corridors such as US-1, I-95, US-70, and US-17, are expected to see the most significant impacts. Early morning travelers, shift workers, and anyone outdoors before sunrise should take precautions against cold exposure.
The National Weather Service recommends dressing in multiple warm layers, covering exposed skin, and limiting time outdoors when possible. Pets should be brought indoors overnight, and residents are urged to use space heaters safely by keeping flammable materials at least three feet away.
While no winter precipitation is expected, the cold may still affect vulnerable populations, including unhoused individuals and those without adequate heating. Local officials encourage residents to check on neighbors and family members who may be sensitive to cold temperatures.
Wind chills are expected to gradually improve later Sunday morning as temperatures rise and winds weaken. Despite the improvement, cold conditions will linger through much of the day.
The National Weather Service will continue monitoring conditions and will issue updates if colder wind chills or extended advisory conditions become necessary.
