North Carolina greets the morning with mild air, damp grass, and an almost springlike feel.
That warmth may be welcome now, but changes are already lining up for post-Christmas travel.
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, temperatures surge well above normal through Christmas Day before easing cooler heading into Saturday. While winter storms target other parts of the country, central North Carolina sees a quieter but still impactful pattern shift.
Highs climb near 70 degrees on Christmas, paired with light winds and filtered sunshine. It will feel more like early fall than late December. For now, travel conditions remain smooth, and road surfaces stay dry through much of the day.
Meteorologists are now tracking a weak disturbance approaching late Thursday. Clouds increase, and a slight chance of rain develops. Rain chances stay low, but wet pavement could appear briefly by evening. Drivers should stay alert after sunset, especially on shaded roads.
Friday turns cooler and cloudier. Highs fall into the upper 40s, signaling a clear transition toward winterlike air. While no snow or ice is expected locally, the temperature drop matters. Moisture left behind could contribute to slick spots early, especially outside urban areas.
Saturday brings a return to sunshine, but the air feels noticeably different. Highs rebound into the upper 60s, though mornings stay cool. Travelers returning home may notice fog-prone areas early and changing road conditions after recent rainfall.
To be fair, this is not a winter storm setup. Still, sharp warm-to-cool swings increase the risk of patchy slick spots during the first week of winter. That risk grows late at night and early morning.
Nationwide, winter weather intensifies elsewhere. Heavy rain threatens Southern California, while snow and ice target the Northeast and Great Lakes. Locally, the takeaway is timing and awareness.
5-Day Outlook for Raleigh, NC:
- Today: Sunny, warm, high near 70
- Christmas Day: Partly sunny, near 70
- Thursday: Mostly cloudy, slight rain chance, high near 48
- Friday: Cloudy, cooler, high near 48
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 68
