North Carolina – The air feels thick and heavy this morning along the Crystal Coast, the kind of salt-laced humidity that carries a low gray sky and the sound of steady rain on rooftops. Roads glisten before sunrise around Newport and Morehead City, and the first wave of December showers is already spreading inland, signaling a damp start to the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service Morehead City office, periods of rain are expected to continue through late Saturday, with the heaviest rainfall likely between Friday afternoon and early Saturday morning. Rainfall totals could range from a half inch to nearly an inch, enough to create ponding on low-lying roads and minor drainage issues. Patchy fog may form at times, reducing visibility for morning and late-evening commuters.
Meteorologists note that while no severe storms are expected, slippery pavement and limited visibility could slow travel along U.S. 70 and Route 24 through the New Bern–Morehead City corridor. Showers may ease by Sunday, giving way to a mostly sunny finish before another quick round of light rain arrives Monday night.
Temperatures will stay mild, with highs in the low 50s near the coast and mid-40s inland. Cooler, drier air returns midweek as the first hints of a regional cold snap begin pushing southward from the Appalachians. Long-range models suggest a stronger chill—and possibly an inland freeze risk—toward December 11–17 as the season transitions deeper into winter.
Keep umbrellas handy and allow extra time on wet roads.
How much rain has your area picked up so far this December weekend?
Five-Day Forecast for Newport, NC:
Fri: 52/42 – Steady rain; fog possible; ponding in spots.
Sat: 50/35 – On-and-off showers; breezy north wind.
Sun: 56/37 – Mostly sunny; clearing skies.
Mon: 49/27 – Chance of evening rain; cool breeze.
Tue: 51/33 – Mostly sunny; dry and mild.
