North Carolina — Damp air clings to docks and streets along the Crystal Coast this morning as fog thins and temperatures fall. What feels mild now will not last. A sharp winter chill presses in behind departing rain.
No active warnings are posted for eastern North Carolina at this time, but hazardous cold is building. Wind chills are expected to drop into the single digits late tonight into Tuesday morning across Carteret County and nearby coastal communities.
According to the National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City, colder air strengthens through midweek. Overnight lows fall into the upper teens to lower 20s, cold enough for frost and localized freeze conditions, even near the coast. Inland spots cool faster than barrier islands.
Today turns breezy and cooler as skies clear. Highs reach the upper 40s near Morehead City and Beaufort, then temperatures fall quickly after sunset. Any moisture left on roads could refreeze in shaded areas late tonight, especially on bridges.
Tuesday stays sunny but cold. Highs struggle near 39 degrees, and the breeze keeps it feeling colder. Another hard chill follows Tuesday night with lows near 22 degrees. By Wednesday, sunshine returns with highs rebounding into the low 40s.
Late week trends quieter. Thursday brings sunshine and highs near the upper 30s. Friday edges slightly milder, though nights remain cold. No significant precipitation is expected through the period.
Residents should protect tender plants, secure outdoor pets, and cover exposed plumbing. Boaters should also prepare for brisk conditions on coastal waters.
Looking ahead, longer-range outlooks suggest drier weather continuing as temperatures slowly recover into early February.
Feeling the chill along the coast yet? Share how cold it feels where you are this morning.
Five-Day Outlook – Morehead City, NC
• Today: Clearing, breezy, cooler, high near 49°F
• Tuesday: Sunny, cold, high near 39°F
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny, cold, high near 41°F
• Thursday: Sunny, chilly, high near 37°F
• Friday: Mostly sunny, cool, high near 38°F
