North Carolina’s Crystal Coast is waking up to a brisk, salt-tinged breeze and a sharp February chill. Temperatures sit at 34 degrees in Morehead City late this morning, and earlier lows dipped to 28. Northwest winds are still gusting up to 32 mph, adding a bite to the sunshine.
According to the National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City, skies stay sunny today with a high near 46 degrees. Winds ease slightly by afternoon, but the air remains cool and dry. The clear sky and lighter wind tonight will allow temperatures to fall back to around 25 degrees inland, with upper 20s along the immediate coast.
Drivers along U.S. 70 and N.C. 24 should watch for isolated slick spots early where temperatures briefly dipped below freezing. While no winter precipitation is expected, this time of year can bring patchy refreeze on bridges before sunrise.
Tuesday brings full sunshine and a high near 47 degrees. By Wednesday, the warming trend becomes more noticeable, with highs climbing to around 58 under mostly cloudy skies. Thursday turns milder still, reaching the mid-60s with a 30 percent chance of rain during the day and a higher chance of rain Thursday night.
Looking ahead into the 6- to 10-day outlook, above-normal temperatures are likely across eastern North Carolina. Highs could settle into the 60s and even low 70s by next weekend, offering a preview of early spring warmth.
Five Day Outlook for Morehead City, North Carolina:
Tuesday: Sunny, high 47.
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, high 58.
Thursday: Chance of rain, high 64.
Friday: Rain likely early, high 62.
Saturday: Chance of rain, high 61.
