Raleigh, North Carolina — A rare May cold snap will push into North Carolina early Friday, May 8, bringing sharply cooler temperatures, gusty winds, and periods of rain that could disrupt travel and early-season outdoor activity across Raleigh, Greensboro, Charlotte, Fayetteville, and Asheville.
According to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, temperatures will run 40–50% below normal through May 14, with the coldest air settling in Friday night into early Saturday. The most critical window is from 3 a.m. to 8 a.m. Saturday, when inland areas, especially across the Piedmont and foothills, could drop into the mid-30s.
That cold will translate into real impacts. Patchy frost is possible in sheltered and higher elevation areas near Asheville and rural parts of the Piedmont, posing a risk to gardens and sensitive crops. Early morning drivers may encounter slick spots on elevated roadways like I-40 and I-85 where colder surfaces allow moisture to settle.
Rain moving in Friday night will reduce visibility and create pooling on roads. Low-lying streets in Raleigh and Greensboro, along with flood-prone underpasses and poor-drainage areas, can see water buildup within minutes during heavier showers.
Winds will strengthen Saturday into Sunday, with gusts reaching 35 to 40 mph statewide. Those winds may bring down small branches and cause isolated power outages, especially in wooded neighborhoods and along the I-95 corridor.
Drivers should slow down on wet roads, especially before sunrise when temperatures are lowest, and avoid water-covered roadways. Residents in colder inland areas should cover sensitive plants and secure loose outdoor items ahead of the wind.
The highest risk for combined cold, wind, and travel disruptions peaks early Saturday between 3 a.m. and 8 a.m.
