According to the North Carolina State Climate Office, the statewide average temperature was 40.8°F—about 0.3°F below the 20th-century average—ranking the season among the cooler winters in recent decades.
Snowfall was a defining feature of the season, with multiple events contributing to above-normal totals in several regions. Parts of eastern North Carolina recorded between 12 and 24 inches of snow, while mountain areas also saw significant accumulation, including localized totals exceeding 24 inches. Central regions generally received between 6 and 12 inches.
The most impactful storm occurred in late January, bringing widespread snow across much of the state. Some eastern cities, including Greenville, Clinton, and Lumberton, exceeded their typical annual snowfall during that event alone. Additional systems in February added to seasonal totals, particularly in the mountains and foothills.
The season began early, with measurable snow recorded as early as November, and included several ice events, especially in northern and central counties. Mountain locations experienced their snowiest winter in years, with some areas exceeding 20 inches above average.
Despite the active winter weather, precipitation patterns contributed to ongoing drought conditions in parts of the state. By early March, areas of severe drought had expanded, particularly in eastern North Carolina.
For commuters and students, repeated snow and ice events led to periodic travel disruptions and school schedule changes throughout the winter months.
Forecasters noted that while La Niña conditions typically favor less snow, this season deviated due to storm track variations that brought more frequent winter systems across the region.
