North Carolina drivers along the Crystal Coast are navigating steady rain this morning, with wet pavement stretching across US-70 and bridges over the Newport River. Temperatures sit near 50 degrees now, but a soaking rain will define much of the day.
According to the National Weather Service in Morehead City, rain continues mainly before 3 p.m. with an 80 percent chance of precipitation. Highs climb to 63 degrees as west winds gust up to 18 mph. Rainfall totals could range between a tenth and a quarter inch, enough for ponding in low-lying spots.
Skies clear quickly tonight. Temperatures fall sharply to around 31 degrees under mostly clear skies. That rapid drop may create slick patches where standing water lingers. Flash freezing becomes more common in February when daytime moisture refreezes after sunset. Use caution on bridges and rural roads late tonight.
Thursday turns mostly sunny with a high near 51. Clear skies Thursday night send lows down to 27 degrees. Friday rebounds to 48 under bright sunshine.
Valentine’s Weekend looks pleasant at first. Saturday warms to 56 with mostly sunny skies. Clouds thicken Saturday night, and rain chances increase to 70 percent Sunday with highs near 58. Plan for wet travel late weekend.
Early next week trends milder, with Washington’s Birthday near 58 degrees and partial sunshine. Longer-range signals show above-average warmth expanding across much of the country into late February.
Five Day Outlook for Morehead City, North Carolina:
Today: Rain, high 63°F.
Tonight: Mostly clear, low 31°F.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, high 51°F.
Friday: Sunny, high 48°F.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, high 56°F.
