North Carolina greets the morning with frosty air and stiff grass crunching underfoot. Cars sparkle with ice, and breath hangs briefly in the air. Winter has arrived, even as warmer weather waits just ahead.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures start near 27 degrees around Raleigh. Calm winds help limit wind chill, but bridges and shaded roads may stay slick early. Drivers should use caution through the morning, especially on I-40, I-440, and neighborhood streets.
Sunshine helps temperatures climb quickly today, reaching the upper 50s by afternoon. That warmth continues Thursday, with highs near 60. To be fair, it may feel more like late fall than December for a few hours. That shift matters, because moisture returns fast.
Rain develops Thursday afternoon and becomes more widespread Thursday night. Showers linger into early Friday, with patchy fog possible. Roads may turn slick during the morning drive, especially where rain is steady. Keep headlights on and allow extra following distance.
By Friday afternoon, rain chances taper, and highs hover near 60. Winds pick up slightly, helping dry some surfaces. However, colder air follows quickly after sunset. Temperatures drop toward the lower 30s Friday night, raising a flash-freeze concern where pavement stays wet.
This warm-to-cold swing is an early sign of winter settling in. While snow is not expected locally, models hint at colder air pressing south next week. With major winter storms impacting the Midwest, weather patterns remain active nationwide.
Christmas travel plans should stay flexible. Expect dry, mild weather Saturday, then cooler mornings returning Sunday. Pack layers and monitor road conditions during early starts.
5-Day Raleigh Weather Outlook
• Today: Mostly sunny, high near 59°
• Thursday: Rain late, high near 60°
• Friday: Chance of rain early, high near 60°
• Saturday: Sunny, cooler, high near 54°
• Sunday: Sunny, mild, high near 62°
