Charlotte, North Carolina – North Carolina is bracing for an extended stretch of unusually cold weather as Arctic air pushes deeper into the Southeast from late January through early February, with impacts expected to linger until at least Valentine’s Day. While the state will not see the constant subzero temperatures common farther north, the duration and persistence of the cold will be enough to disrupt travel, strain infrastructure, and raise safety concerns statewide.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, temperature outlooks from January 23 through February 13 strongly favor below-normal conditions across the Carolinas. Multiple outlook periods show repeated surges of cold air pressing south, limiting opportunities for sustained warming as February begins.
In Charlotte, daytime highs may hover in the 30s and 40s during the coldest stretches, while nighttime lows frequently drop into the 20s, with pockets of freezing temperatures even in urban areas near Uptown and along I-77. Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill can expect similar conditions, with cold draining into the Triangle overnight and frost becoming a near-daily concern. In the Triad, including Greensboro and Winston-Salem, colder air pooling inland may bring several nights in the teens.
Western North Carolina faces the harshest impacts. In the mountains near Boone, Blowing Rock, and Mount Mitchell, temperatures may remain below freezing for extended periods, with single-digit lows possible. Wind chills along the Blue Ridge Parkway and higher elevations could become dangerous, increasing frostbite risk. Even coastal communities like Wilmington and the Outer Banks may see freezing nights, with gusty winds making conditions feel colder near the Cape Fear River and barrier islands.
Residents are urged to protect exposed pipes, bring pets indoors, and limit time outside during the coldest nights. While brief moderation may occur, long-range signals suggest meaningful relief may not arrive until after Valentine’s Day. Additional cold weather advisories could follow as North Carolina remains locked in this extended winter pattern.
