North Carolina – The air feels brittle this morning, with frost clinging to windshields and lawns across central North Carolina. Temperatures sit in the low 20s around Raleigh, and calm winds only sharpen the chill as the day begins.
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, hazardous weather remains limited for now, but uncertainty is shrinking around a potentially significant winter weather event developing this weekend. Forecasters are also highlighting dangerously cold air arriving early next week, with wind chills possibly dropping below zero.
Today stays quiet and cold, then turns milder by afternoon. Highs reach the upper 40s under mostly sunny skies. That warmth will not last. Clouds thicken Thursday night as rain chances increase. By Friday, rain becomes likely, with wet pavement setting the stage for trouble once colder air arrives behind the system.
Conditions change fast Saturday. Colder air filters in, and precipitation transitions from rain to snow by afternoon. Snow chances increase sharply Saturday night, with heavy snow and sleet possible at times. Travel impacts could be significant, especially on I-40, I-440, and major Raleigh-area connectors. Drivers should plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel late Saturday into Sunday.
Sunday brings a messy mix. Snow, freezing rain, and sleet remain possible through the day before tapering Sunday night. Even minor melting could refreeze quickly after sunset, increasing the risk of flash freezing and icy roads.
Looking beyond the weekend, the 6–10 day outlook favors colder-than-normal temperatures across the eastern U.S., while precipitation chances remain elevated. Additional winter alerts may be issued as confidence grows.
Five-Day Outlook for Raleigh, NC
- Today: Mostly sunny, high near 49°F
- Tonight: Mostly cloudy, low near 36°F
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, high near 59°F
- Friday: Rain likely, high near 48°F
- Saturday: Turning colder, high near 28°F; snow likely late
