Weather
North Carolina Thanksgiving Weather Alert: Rain, Mountain Snow Nov. 22-28
Raleigh, NC – North Carolina residents preparing for Thanksgiving and Black Friday travel could face unsettled weather during November 22 28, with rain, mountain snow and potentially freezing rain amo
By Nora Whitfield · 2026-11-14T23:08:45.824Z
Raleigh, NC – North Carolina residents preparing for Thanksgiving and Black Friday travel could face unsettled weather during November 22 28, with rain, mountain snow and potentially freezing rain among the possibilities worth monitoring as the holiday approaches.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's NOAA Climate Prediction Center, eight to 14 day outlooks issued Saturday, November 14, favor above normal precipitation across North Carolina during Thanksgiving week.
The precipitation outlook indicates approximately a 40% to 50% probability of above normal precipitation across portions of the state, with probabilities increasing toward southeastern North Carolina, where the outlook reaches approximately 70% to 80%.
These percentages represent the likelihood of above normal precipitation over the forecast period, not the chance of rain or snow on any particular day.
Could North Carolina See Snow or Freezing Rain?
Despite a generally warmer temperature outlook, snow remains possible in the western mountains, particularly around Boone, Banner Elk and higher elevations near Asheville.
Freezing rain could also become a concern if precipitation develops while surface temperatures remain below freezing.
Central North Carolina, including Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro and Charlotte, may experience rain during milder conditions. Eastern and coastal communities, including Wilmington and Jacksonville, face a stronger signal for wetter than average conditions.
However, NOAA's extended outlook does not specifically predict snowfall, freezing rain or a winter storm.
Thanksgiving and Black Friday Travel Outlook
Thanksgiving falls Thursday, November 26, followed by Black Friday on November 27.
Drivers traveling Interstate 40, Interstate 77, Interstate 85 and Interstate 95 should monitor updated forecasts as holiday traffic increases.
Rain could reduce visibility and create wet road conditions, while mountain snow or freezing rain could make travel hazardous if colder air develops.
No specific hazardous travel period has been identified.
More detailed forecasts should clarify precipitation timing and potential travel impacts as Thanksgiving approaches.