North Carolina greets the morning with a sharp winter bite as cold air settles over the Triangle. Windshields glisten with frost. Lawns crunch lightly underfoot. Temperatures sit near 27 degrees early, making for a chilly start across Raleigh and surrounding communities.
According to the National Weather Service, the immediate concern is early travel. Bridges, overpasses, and shaded roads may stay slick for a time as temperatures slowly rise. Drivers should allow extra time during the morning commute and watch for patchy black ice in low-lying areas.
The Weather pattern shifts quickly as the day progresses. Sunshine helps temperatures rebound into the upper 40s, easing the cold snap. Milder air continues building Wednesday, with highs climbing into the mid-50s under increasing clouds.
Attention turns to Thursday, December 18th, when a developing system brings a noticeable change. Rain chances rise by midday, increasing to around 90 percent by Thursday night. Wet pavement could slow travel on I-40, I-440, and major Raleigh surface roads during the evening drive. Patchy fog may also reduce visibility at times.
Temperatures stay mild during the rain, peaking near 61 degrees Thursday. While winter weather is not expected, the warm-to-cool transition late Thursday night could briefly refreeze leftover moisture in outlying areas.
Friday trends quieter and brighter. Sunshine returns with highs near 56 degrees, though a light breeze keeps the air feeling brisk. The weekend looks seasonable and calm. Saturday stays sunny with highs near 53, while Sunday warms again into the low 60s.
Even without snow, December’s freeze-thaw cycle increases slick-road risks during early holiday travel weeks.
Five-Day Outlook for Raleigh, NC
- Wednesday: Increasing clouds, high near 56°
- Thursday: Rain likely, high near 61°
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 56°
- Saturday: Sunny, high near 53°
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high near 62°
