Raleigh, North Carolina – North Carolina is bracing for a prolonged stretch of unusually cold winter weather as Arctic air presses deep into the Southeast and shows little sign of retreat through early to mid-February. Temperatures are expected to drop sharply this weekend, with overnight lows falling well below normal statewide and daytime highs struggling to rebound, especially across the Piedmont and northern counties.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, outlooks from late January through mid-February favor much below normal temperatures across the Southeast. This Arctic pattern is part of a larger national setup driving extreme cold across the Midwest and Northeast, while pushing freezing air far south into the Carolinas and even parts of the Deep South.
For North Carolina, the most immediate concern is the potential for snow, sleet, and freezing rain this weekend, particularly from the Triad through the Triangle and into northeastern sections of the state. Slick travel could develop along I-40, I-85, I-95, and secondary roads, especially overnight and early Sunday. Prolonged cold also raises the risk of frozen pipes and power strain during peak heating demand.
Looking ahead, only brief temperature moderation is possible, with no sustained warm-up likely before mid-February. Officials urge residents to limit non-essential travel during icy periods, protect exposed plumbing, check heating systems, and stay alert for additional advisories as this long-duration Arctic outbreak continues.
