North Carolina — Frost glints off windshields and lawns early this morning as winter officially arrives. The air feels crisp and dry, with temperatures hovering in the mid-30s around Raleigh before sunrise.
Skies stay mostly clear early, allowing temperatures to drop close to 29 degrees in outlying areas. Bridges and shaded roadways cool fastest, so drivers should remain alert during the morning commute. Conditions improve quickly once the sun climbs higher.
Clouds increase through the day, but rain stays away. Afternoon temperatures rebound to near 60 degrees, a noticeable warm-up for the first day of winter. Light northwest winds keep the air feeling fresh but manageable.
Tonight turns colder again. Clear skies allow temperatures to dip near freezing, especially outside the urban core. It’s a classic December setup, though no ice or snow is expected.
Monday delivers bright sunshine and cooler highs near 49 degrees. It feels calm and seasonable, ideal for errands or short trips. Roads remain dry, and travel impacts stay minimal.
By late Monday night into Tuesday, clouds thicken. A weak system brings a slight chance of rain Tuesday, mainly before afternoon. Rain chances stay low, but damp pavement could slow travel briefly along I-40 and I-440. Temperatures climb back to around 60 degrees, preventing any winter precipitation concerns.
Midweek weather improves quickly. Wednesday turns sunny and warmer, with highs in the mid-60s. Christmas Day looks even better, featuring sunshine and highs near 67 degrees. Holiday travel conditions appear smooth across central North Carolina.
Winter may be young, but this stretch favors flexibility. Enjoy the mild trend while keeping an eye on early-morning cold spots. Traveling this week? How does winter feel where you are?
Five-Day Outlook for Raleigh, North Carolina
- Today: Increasing clouds, high near 60
- Monday: Sunny, high near 49
- Tuesday: Slight chance of rain, high near 60
- Wednesday: Sunny, high near 64
- Christmas Day: Sunny, high near 67
