North Carolina — Golden sunlight cuts through a cold, still morning, but winter isn’t finished yet. Pavement warms quickly today, though a sharper chill waits just ahead.
Mild air settles over central North Carolina through the day, pushing highs near 57 degrees across Raleigh and surrounding communities. Calm winds and dry conditions make for easy travel along I-40 and I-440. To be fair, it feels more like early March than mid-January.
According to the National Weather Service, that warmth fades late Wednesday night as a cold front slides south. Clouds increase after sunset, and scattered rain showers may briefly mix with snow near daybreak Thursday. Accumulation looks minimal, but timing matters.
By Thursday morning, temperatures hover near freezing. Any leftover moisture could refreeze quickly, creating black ice on bridges and shaded roads. Drivers should slow down during the early commute, especially on secondary streets and elevated ramps.
Thursday stays cold and breezy, with highs near 40 degrees. Snow showers end early, then sunshine returns. The bigger concern arrives after dark. Clear skies and dry air allow temperatures to drop sharply into the low 20s overnight. A hard freeze becomes likely across the Triangle.
Friday remains sunny but chilly, topping out near 42 degrees. Another cold night follows, keeping frost a concern into early Saturday. By the weekend, temperatures recover into the low 50s, offering some relief after the midweek cold snap.
This pattern fits a broader January trend, with brief warm spells followed by fast-moving winter fronts. After all, flash freezing remains a real risk this time of year when daytime melting refreezes at night.
Plan ahead now. Protect sensitive plants, allow extra travel time Thursday morning, and check road conditions before heading out.
Did roads feel slick where you live this morning? Share what you’re seeing around Raleigh.
Five-Day Outlook – Raleigh, NC
- Today: Sunny, mild, high near 57
- Wednesday: Partly sunny, high near 57
- Thursday: Early rain-snow mix, then sunny, high near 40
- Friday: Sunny and cold, high near 42
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, milder, high near 51
