Raleigh, N.C. – A sharp temperature crash is already hitting central North Carolina, and within hours, a hard freeze could damage plants and create hazardous early-morning conditions across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, temperatures dropped as much as 20 to 22 degrees in just 24 hours following a strong cold front. Cities along the I-40 corridor, including Raleigh, Greensboro, Rocky Mount, and Fayetteville, saw afternoon highs fall into the mid-40s after reaching the mid-60s just a day earlier.
Temperatures will continue falling overnight, with lows expected in the 20s by early Wednesday morning. This rapid drop raises the risk of frost and freeze damage, especially for early spring vegetation that began growing during recent warm conditions.
Residents are urged to cover or bring in sensitive plants, protect outdoor plumbing, and use caution during the Wednesday morning commute as colder surfaces may develop patchy frost.
The cold snap will peak around sunrise Wednesday before gradual warming begins later in the day. Additional advisories could be issued if freeze conditions expand across more of central and eastern North Carolina.
