Weather
NC Weather Alert: Raleigh Frost Saturday, Freeze Sunday, Nov 14-15
North Carolina — Warm sunshine and temperatures in the 70s are giving Raleigh residents a brief taste of spring before a sharp November cooldown threatens gardens, outdoor plants and early morning rou
By Wesley Grant · 2026-11-11T09:12:17.325Z
North Carolina — Warm sunshine and temperatures in the 70s are giving Raleigh residents a brief taste of spring before a sharp November cooldown threatens gardens, outdoor plants and early morning routines.
By Sunday, November 15, temperatures could fall to 32 degrees, a striking 42 degree difference from Wednesday's expected high of 74.
The bigger concern is not rain or snow. It is the arrival of freezing temperatures across central North Carolina.
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, frost or light freezing conditions are possible Saturday morning. A widespread freeze could follow Sunday and Monday mornings.
The agency highlighted those concerns in a Hazardous Weather Outlook issued at 2:36 a.m. Wednesday, November 11.
Thursday Brings Sunshine Before Colder Air Arrives Thursday, November 12, remains relatively pleasant across Raleigh, Cary, Apex and surrounding Wake County.
Temperatures climb near 70 degrees under sunny skies.
However, west winds of 5 to 10 mph could gust as high as 22 mph as a colder weather pattern begins developing.
Thursday night temperatures fall toward 42 degrees, with northwest winds continuing.
The National Weather Service's broader outlook describes an unusually strong push of polar air spreading across the eastern United States.
For Raleigh, that transition becomes more noticeable Friday.
Friday Temperature Drop Sets Up Weekend Freeze Friday, November 13, brings sunny skies but significantly cooler conditions.
High temperatures reach approximately 57 degrees, a 13 degree drop from Thursday.
By Friday night, temperatures fall toward 36 degrees.
Residents with sensitive outdoor plants should begin preparing before Saturday morning.
The National Weather Service specifically identifies Saturday as a period when frost or light freezing conditions could develop.
Gardeners should consider covering vulnerable vegetation and moving potted plants indoors.
Sunday and Monday Bring Widespread Freeze Concerns Saturday, November 14, remains sunny, with highs near 53 degrees.
Temperatures then fall toward 33 degrees Saturday night, approaching the freezing mark.
By Sunday morning, widespread freezing conditions become a greater concern.
Sunday afternoon temperatures recover near 55 degrees, but the relief will be temporary.
Sunday night lows fall toward 32 degrees, setting up another freezing morning Monday.
These conditions could damage sensitive plants and end the growing season for some unprotected vegetation.
Drivers along Interstate 40, Interstate 440 and Interstate 540 should remain alert for isolated frost or slick patches where moisture develops and freezes.
However, no widespread icy road event is currently predicted.
No snow, significant rainfall or specific tornado threat appears in Raleigh's supplied local outlook.
Five Day Raleigh Weather Outlook Thursday, Nov. 12: Sunny, high 70°F. Wind gusts up to 22 mph. Low 42°F. Friday, Nov. 13: Sunny and cooler, high 57°F. Low 36°F. Saturday, Nov. 14: Sunny, high 53°F. Frost or light freezing conditions possible early. Low 33°F. Sunday, Nov. 15: Sunny, high 55°F. Widespread freeze possible in the morning. Low 32°F. Monday, Nov. 16: Sunny, high 55°F. Freezing conditions possible early. Low 34°F. Tuesday, November 17, brings a modest recovery, with mostly sunny skies and highs near 58 degrees.
Looking toward Thanksgiving, additional cold spells remain possible across the eastern United States. However, no specific Raleigh snow event is established by the available guidance.
Are you covering your plants before Raleigh's weekend freeze, or enjoying the last stretch of warmer November weather? Tell us how cold it gets in your neighborhood.