Weather
North Carolina Freeze Watch: Lows Near 30° Saturday, Nov 14
Raleigh, NC – Temperatures could plunge to 30 degrees across parts of central North Carolina early Saturday, threatening gardens, sensitive plants and exposed outdoor plumbing. A newly issued Freeze W
By Cole Barrett · 2026-11-12T20:35:34.007Z
Raleigh, NC – Temperatures could plunge to 30 degrees across parts of central North Carolina early Saturday, threatening gardens, sensitive plants and exposed outdoor plumbing. A newly issued Freeze Watch covers 14 counties, including the Greensboro, Winston Salem and Durham areas.
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, the Freeze Watch is in effect from late Friday night, November 13, through Saturday morning, November 14.
The watch covers portions of the northern and northwestern Piedmont and extends east into the northern Coastal Plain.
Forecasters say subfreezing temperatures as low as 30 degrees are possible.
Greensboro, Durham and Winston Salem Included The watch includes Forsyth, Guilford, Alamance, Orange, Durham, Person, Granville, Vance, Warren, Halifax, Franklin, Davidson, Randolph and Chatham counties.
Major communities within the watch area include Greensboro, Winston Salem, High Point, Burlington, Durham, Chapel Hill, Roxboro, Henderson, Oxford and Asheboro.
Other affected locations include Hillsborough, Mebane, Graham, Carrboro, Lexington, Thomasville, Pittsboro, Siler City, Louisburg, Warrenton and Roanoke Rapids.
The potential freeze extends across a broad section of central North Carolina, from the Triad through the northern Triangle and toward the northern Coastal Plain.
However, the watch does not mean every community will necessarily reach 30 degrees.
Why Saturday Morning's Cold Matters Temperatures below 32 degrees can damage or kill sensitive vegetation, particularly plants that have not been protected from freezing conditions.
The National Weather Service warns that crops, tender garden plants and other vulnerable vegetation could be affected.
Unprotected outdoor plumbing may also be at risk.
Residents should consider moving potted plants indoors, covering sensitive vegetation and taking appropriate precautions for exposed outdoor pipes.
A Freeze Watch means conditions favorable for damaging freezing temperatures are possible. It is not yet a Freeze Warning.
The National Weather Service could update the watch as confidence increases and newer temperature forecasts become available.
Coldest Conditions Expected Before Saturday Morning The watch begins late Friday night and continues through Saturday morning, with the designated period running from 3 a.m. to 8 a.m. EST Saturday.
That early morning window is especially important for residents with outdoor plants or exposed plumbing.
Those who need to protect gardens or outdoor equipment should make preparations Friday rather than waiting until Saturday morning.