North Carolina – Low clouds slide past early this morning as damp pavement catches the glow of traffic lights. The air feels cool but not sharp, and jackets stay unzipped for now. Winter may have arrived on the calendar, yet conditions across central North Carolina feel unusually mild heading into Christmas travel.
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, temperatures climb quickly through the day after patchy morning rain clears. Afternoon highs surge into the mid-60s, well above late-December norms. Gusty southwest winds may briefly rattle tree limbs and scatter leaves, especially along open roadways.
Across the Triangle, including Raleigh, Durham, and Cary, dry and warmer air settles in through midweek. Sunshine dominates Wednesday, pushing highs near 70. Christmas Day stays mild with filtered sun and highs in the upper 60s, creating easy travel conditions across I-40, I-440, and surrounding highways.
That calm pattern begins to shift late Thursday into Friday. Clouds increase, temperatures ease back into the upper 50s, and the air turns cooler by nightfall. While snow is not expected, the drop matters for drivers traveling early or late. Wet spots from recent rain could feel slick during cooler hours, especially on bridges.
Residents returning home after the holidays should note the broader trend. Warmer-than-average weather continues into the final week of December, but subtle cold fronts may introduce sharper temperature swings. Those shifts can catch travelers off guard after days of mild afternoons.
For now, pack layers instead of heavy coats, secure loose outdoor items, and stay alert during breezy periods. Conditions remain favorable, but winter patterns are beginning to stir.
Five-Day Outlook for Raleigh, North Carolina
• Today: Slight chance of rain early, then clearing. High near 65.
• Wednesday: Sunny and warm. High near 68.
• Christmas Day: Partly sunny and mild. High near 67.
• Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, cooler. Low near 47.
• Friday: Mostly cloudy and cooler. High near 58.
