North Carolina – Dry leaves crunch underfoot this morning as sunshine breaks through thin clouds, but danger hides in the wind. Gusts sweep across central North Carolina today, drying fuels fast and raising fire concerns before winter weather enters the picture.
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, an increased fire danger remains in effect from midday through early evening. Relative humidity drops near 20 percent while southwest winds gust between 20 and 25 mph. Officials strongly discourage outdoor burning as fires could spread quickly.
Across central North Carolina, conditions stay calm visually but risky on the ground. In Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, dry grasses and wooded areas remain vulnerable through the afternoon. Residents should secure loose items and avoid sparks from equipment or vehicles.
Attention then turns to the weekend. Clouds increase tonight, followed by a slight chance of rain Saturday. By Saturday night into Sunday, colder air moves in as moisture lingers. Light rain may mix with snow before ending Sunday afternoon. Accumulation looks minimal, but timing matters.
Sunday highs reach the upper 30s, with temperatures falling quickly after sunset. Wet roads may refreeze, especially on bridges and shaded stretches of I-40, I-440, and secondary roads. Drivers should stay alert for patchy black ice early Monday.
MLK Day brings sunshine and calmer conditions, though the cold lingers. Highs recover into the mid-40s before another cold night drops lows near 20. Tuesday stays sunny but brisk, keeping winter firmly in control.
Meteorologists are monitoring a broader winter pattern into next week as colder air holds across the East and precipitation chances increase beyond midweek.
Seeing dry conditions or slick spots where you live? Share what you’re noticing today.
Five-Day Outlook for Raleigh, NC
- Today: Sunny, windy, high near 45
- Saturday: Slight chance of rain, high near 56
- Sunday: Rain and snow possible, high near 38
- MLK Day Monday: Sunny, cooler, high near 46
- Tuesday: Sunny and chilly, high near 38
