North Carolina greets the new year with a sharp chill in the air as Winter Weather makes its presence felt early. Cold ground, calm winds, and rising clouds signal a fast-changing pattern for the Raleigh area heading into the first Sunday of 2026.
According to the National Weather Service, morning temperatures hover near 30 degrees, cold enough for frost on vehicles and grassy surfaces. Skies turn increasingly cloudy through the day, while highs climb toward 60. That warm-up sets the stage for incoming moisture and changing travel conditions.
Rain arrives Saturday, becoming most likely by morning and continuing through the day. Temperatures fall sharply, topping out in the mid-40s. Wet pavement, cooler air, and reduced visibility may slow travel on I-40, I-440, and surface roads across Wake County. Drivers should plan extra time and expect slick conditions during periods of steady rain.
As temperatures drop into the low 30s late Saturday, a brief rain-to-dry transition raises attention for cold surfaces. While snow accumulation is not expected, colder air settling in could allow patchy slick spots where water lingers. Conditions may deteriorate quickly after sunset.
Sunday brings a calmer reset. Sunshine returns, and highs rebound near 50. Roads improve as moisture dries, though early-day cold keeps shaded areas brisk. By Sunday night, temperatures slip back toward freezing, reminding residents that winter remains close.
Meteorologists continue tracking an active national pattern, with colder-than-average air holding across the East while warmer conditions build to the south. For central North Carolina, that means fluctuating temperatures and quick shifts between winter chill and wet weather.
📅 Five-Day Outlook — Raleigh, NC
- Today: Increasing clouds, high near 60
- Saturday: Rain likely, cooler, high near 44
- Sunday: Sunny, cooler, high near 50
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 51
- Tuesday: Partly sunny, warmer, high near 62
