North Carolina – Soft clouds drift across the sky as mild air settles in. The chill stays muted for now, and the region feels more like early fall than late December.
Across the Raleigh–Durham area, weather conditions remain quiet heading into the weekend. Early temperatures hold in the 40s and 50s, with dry pavement and calm winds. Skies stay mostly cloudy at times, but no hazardous weather is expected.
By Friday, clouds linger and afternoon highs reach near 50 degrees. A weak system may bring a slight chance of rain, though most areas remain dry. Roads should stay manageable, supporting steady post-Christmas travel.
Saturday stands out. Sunshine returns, and temperatures climb near 70 degrees, well above seasonal averages. The air feels springlike, and visibility remains high. For travelers, this is the most favorable day to be on the road. Expect smooth driving on I-40, I-440, and I-540.
Saturday night cools into the low 40s under partly cloudy skies. By Sunday, clouds increase again with highs near 60 degrees. Conditions remain dry for much of the day, though the atmosphere begins to shift.
Meteorologists are now tracking the next system arriving by Monday. Rain chances rise to around 50 percent, with highs near 69 degrees. Wet pavement may slow the Monday commute, especially during peak morning and evening hours. While no winter weather is expected, cooler air follows behind the system.
Into Monday night, temperatures fall sharply, dipping near 29 degrees by early Tuesday. That drop signals a colder pattern taking shape for the final week of December, though precipitation exits before freezing conditions arrive.
For now, the message is simple. Enjoy the mild weekend. Plan errands and travel early if possible. Keep umbrellas ready for Monday. Weather conditions remain fluid, and changes could develop quickly as December winds down.
