Charlotte, NC — As the holiday season winds down, North Carolina appears poised for an unusually warm end to December and a mild start to 2026, with temperatures potentially nearing record levels across much of the state.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the 8–14 day temperature outlook covering December 27 through January 2 strongly favors above-normal temperatures across North Carolina, including the Charlotte metro area as well as Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, Asheville, and Fayetteville. This timeframe is typically one of the coldest stretches of the year.
In Charlotte, average highs in late December usually settle in the lower 50s. Forecast guidance now suggests daytime temperatures could run 10 to 15 degrees above normal, with multiple afternoons reaching the upper 60s and possibly near 70 degrees between Christmas and New Year’s. Under optimal conditions, daily temperature records could be challenged.
The warmth is being driven by a persistent ridge of high pressure over the eastern United States, limiting cold air intrusions from Canada while allowing mild air from the Gulf of Mexico to flow northward. Overnight lows are also expected to remain elevated, reducing frost potential and keeping wintry precipitation unlikely during the busy holiday travel period.
Looking beyond New Year’s Day, NOAA’s Week 3–4 outlook for January 3–16, 2026 continues to indicate a lean toward above-average temperatures across much of North Carolina, particularly central and eastern regions. While short-lived cool snaps remain possible, current signals suggest sustained winter cold may be slow to arrive early in the new year.
The prolonged warmth could impact energy usage, winter recreation, agriculture, and landscaping, while also delaying any meaningful snow chances for many communities. While forecasts will continue to evolve, current trends point toward a mild, spring-like start to 2026 for much of North Carolina.
