Fayetteville, North Carolina – Arctic air is expected to remain nearby late this month, but its influence weakens considerably across southern North Carolina, placing the region near the southern fringe of the colder pattern from Jan. 24 through Jan. 30.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, southern North Carolina falls within a roughly 40 percent probability zone for below-normal temperatures during the Jan. 24–30 period. That lower confidence reflects a transition zone where colder air may arrive briefly, but is more likely to be offset by milder intrusions from the south.
Across the Sandhills and southern Piedmont, including Fayetteville, Laurinburg, and areas along Interstate 95, daytime highs may dip below late-January averages at times, but are also expected to rebound during milder stretches. Overnight lows will still turn chilly, occasionally dropping into the 20s, which could support patchy frost or isolated icy spots during early morning hours.
Farther east toward the Coastal Plain and areas near Wilmington’s inland suburbs, marine influence should further limit the reach of Arctic air. Even so, cool nights could still allow bridges and elevated roadways to briefly refreeze if moisture is present.
North Carolina transportation officials advise drivers to remain alert during early morning travel, especially in rural areas where temperatures cool more efficiently. While sustained Arctic cold is not favored, brief colder snaps remain possible.
Overall, confidence is lower that below-normal temperatures will dominate southern North Carolina through month’s end, but fluctuating winter conditions remain possible as the broader Arctic pattern continues to influence the eastern U.S.
