Newport, NC – Gray skies and mist hang over Carteret County this morning, setting the tone for a cool, unsettled stretch ahead. While the coast dodges winter snow this time, an early-week system brings a chance of rain Monday, followed by the coldest stretch of December so far.
The National Weather Service in Morehead City calls for a 50% chance of showers Monday morning through midday, as a weak coastal low passes offshore. Rain totals should stay light — generally under a quarter inch — but roads may turn slick during the morning commute, particularly near U.S. Route 70 and across the bridges into Beaufort and Morehead City. Winds will pick up briefly from the north, gusting up to 20 mph before calming by evening.
Once the rain clears, a sharp drop in temperatures follows. Skies will clear Monday night, allowing lows to fall to the upper 20s inland and low 30s near the coast. Patchy frost is likely, especially for inland neighborhoods of Newport and Havelock. Gardeners should cover plants, and pet owners are advised to bring animals inside.
Tuesday and Wednesday look bright and chilly — sunshine returns with highs in the upper 40s to low 50s. By Thursday, a light warming trend begins, with highs near 60°F and mostly clear skies.
5-Day Newport, NC Outlook
- Monday: 50% rain chance, high 49°F, low 27°F.
- Tuesday: Sunny, high 48°F, low 32°F.
- Wednesday: Sunny, high 60°F, low 41°F.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, high 69°F, low 44°F.
- Friday: 40% rain chance, high 60°F, low 31°F.
