Raleigh, North Carolina – A warmer-than-normal and wetter weather pattern is expected to settle across North Carolina heading into Valentine’s Day weekend, increasing the potential for rain, fog, and travel slowdowns from Saturday through midweek. While no single high-impact storm is currently locked in, repeated rounds of moisture could create cumulative impacts across roads, rivers, and low-lying areas statewide.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, North Carolina is favored for above-normal precipitation and above-normal temperatures during the February 14–18 period. This setup supports milder daytime conditions while increasing confidence in rain-producing systems moving across the Southeast, particularly east of the Appalachians.
Across central North Carolina, including Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, periods of steady rain may develop at times, leading to ponding on roadways and slower travel along I-40, I-440, and US-1. Reduced visibility from fog is also possible during overnight and early morning hours as warmer air moves over cooler ground.
In the Piedmont Triad, including Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point, temperatures hovering well above freezing reduce winter weather concerns, though repeated rainfall could stress drainage systems and create slick travel conditions during heavier showers.
Farther west in the foothills and mountains, including Asheville and Boone, cooler nighttime temperatures may allow brief rain-snow mix at higher elevations. Additional moisture falling on existing snowpack could increase runoff into mountain streams, prompting closer monitoring in flood-prone valleys.
Eastern North Carolina, including Greenville, Goldsboro, and the coastal plain, is expected to see rain as the dominant precipitation type. Localized flooding is possible in poor drainage areas, especially where heavier rain bands develop.
Air travel through Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Charlotte Douglas International Airport may experience occasional delays during periods of low clouds or heavier rain, though widespread disruptions are not expected. Utility providers report no elevated concerns for ice-related outages under this warmer pattern.
This warmer, wetter setup is expected to persist into midweek. Additional advisories may be issued as individual systems become clearer, and residents are urged to stay alert for updated alerts, particularly during overnight travel windows.
