North Carolina – Frost clings to windshields at daybreak, but jackets won’t be needed for long. Temperatures surge rapidly today, flipping the script from winter chill to springlike warmth before lunchtime.
According to the National Weather Service, Raleigh starts near 32 degrees early, then climbs to around 68 degrees under sunny skies. Calm winds allow temperatures to rise quickly, melting any lingering frost and leaving damp patches on shaded pavement. That melt-and-refreeze cycle becomes important later as clouds increase.
By Wednesday, moisture returns. A 30 percent chance of rain develops during the day, with highs still pushing the upper 60s. Roads may turn slick during brief showers, especially during peak travel hours along I-40 and the Beltline. Drivers should expect changing visibility during passing rain bands.
Wednesday night cools into the lower 30s, allowing wet spots to refreeze. This is prime flash-freeze season in February, when daytime warmth hides nighttime hazards. Use caution on bridges, neighborhood roads, and parking lots early Thursday.
Thursday stays quieter but cooler, with highs near 52 and partly sunny skies. Attention then turns toward Valentine’s Day weekend. Friday and Saturday remain mild, climbing into the low to mid-50s. Clouds thicken Saturday night, signaling another shift.
By Sunday, rain chances increase sharply. Latest guidance shows widespread rain with highs near 53, continuing into early next week. While no winter weather is expected locally, the sharp contrast between cold mornings and warm afternoons keeps travel conditions unpredictable.
Looking ahead, NOAA’s 6–10 day outlook favors above-normal temperatures across the Southeast. Signs of an early taste of spring are building, though active systems remain possible as winter loosens its grip.
Plan layers today, slow down on wet roads midweek, and watch for icy patches during early mornings. Feeling the temperature swing already? Tell us how warm it gets in your neighborhood.
Five-Day Outlook for Raleigh
• Today: Sunny, high near 68
• Wednesday: Chance of rain, high near 66
• Thursday: Partly sunny, high near 52
• Friday: Partly sunny, high near 53
• Saturday: Partly sunny, high near 56
