Nags Head, NC – Coastal North Carolina may see periods of cold rain and a slim chance of mixed precipitation during the Thanksgiving travel window, as new long-range outlooks show a near-normal precipitation pattern, leaving the region with a 50–50 chance of a brief wintry mix from November 23 through November 29.
According to the Climate Prediction Center’s 8–14 Day Outlook issued Saturday, the NC coast sits in a delicate zone between cooler inland air moving down the Mid-Atlantic and lingering warmth from the Atlantic. This creates a storm-track-dependent setup—typical for late November—where most events fall as rain but colder pockets inland can briefly allow a mix.
The Outer Banks—including Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, Hatteras, and Ocracoke—are expected to stay entirely rain, with ocean influence keeping temperatures safely above freezing. Gusty winds and steady rainfall remain the primary travel concerns.
Farther west, the inland coastal plain—including Elizabeth City, Edenton, Greenville, Washington, and Rocky Mount—holds a slightly higher chance of seeing a short window of mixed precipitation. Overnight temperatures can dip close to the freezing mark, and if a coastal low strengthens offshore, colder air could push south long enough to produce a brief mix before reverting to rain.
Southeastern coastal communities—including Jacksonville, Wilmington, and the Cape Fear region—lean strongly toward rain, though early-morning commuters may still encounter bouts of heavier downpours and poor visibility.
Thanksgiving week draws heavy travel along US-64, US-17, NC-12, and I-40, where steady rainfall often reduces speeds and increases congestion. Coastal bridges and causeways may also experience reduced visibility and slick travel conditions.
Air travel delays are possible at Wilmington International Airport, Coastal Carolina Regional Airport, and Norfolk International Airport (for northern coastal travelers) if widespread rain or low cloud ceilings develop during peak holiday departures.
Forecasters expect sharper details early next week as short-range models begin resolving individual storm systems and coastal temperature gradients.
