Weather
North Carolina Weather Alert: Weekend Freeze Risk Nov 12-16
Raleigh, NC – A 37 degree temperature swing is approaching central North Carolina, turning Thursday's comfortable 71 degree weather into a stretch of near freezing mornings this weekend.
By Mason Reid · 2026-11-12T09:13:01.335Z
Raleigh, NC – A 37 degree temperature swing is approaching central North Carolina, turning Thursday's comfortable 71 degree weather into a stretch of near freezing mornings this weekend.
Frost covered lawns, chilly windshields and sensitive outdoor plants could become concerns as colder air settles across Raleigh, Durham and surrounding communities.
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, frost or light freezing conditions will be possible Saturday morning, followed by a widespread freeze Sunday and Monday mornings.
The agency highlighted the developing cold threat in its Hazardous Weather Outlook issued Wednesday, Nov. 11.
Thursday Friday: Warmth Quickly Disappears Thursday offers the last significant stretch of warmth, with mostly sunny skies and temperatures reaching 71 degrees.
Southwest winds of 5 to 13 mph could gust as high as 24 mph.
However, the comfortable conditions will not last.
Temperatures fall toward 44 degrees Thursday night before Friday brings sunshine and a noticeably cooler high near 57.
Northwest winds will help usher colder air into the region.
Residents planning yardwork, leaf cleanup or outdoor activities should consider taking advantage of Thursday's warmer conditions.
Saturday Sunday: Freeze Threat Becomes the Main Concern Saturday morning introduces the first potential frost concerns, with temperatures falling near 37 degrees in Raleigh.
The National Weather Service warns that frost or light freezing conditions could develop across portions of central North Carolina.
Saturday afternoon reaches only 54 degrees despite mostly sunny skies.
Then comes the bigger concern.
Temperatures drop toward 34 degrees by Sunday morning, when the agency expects a widespread freeze across central North Carolina.
Although Raleigh's specific forecast remains slightly above freezing, colder neighborhoods and outlying communities could experience lower temperatures.
Sunday afternoon brings sunshine and a high near 55 degrees before another cold night follows.
Monday morning temperatures could again approach 34 degrees, extending the freeze concern.
What Residents Should Do Before the Cold Arrives Gardeners should protect sensitive plants, bring potted vegetation indoors and check exposed outdoor plumbing.
Drivers traveling along I 40, I 440 and I 540 should prepare for colder early morning conditions.
However, the current forecast shows dry weather, meaning widespread icy roads are not specifically anticipated.
The cold pattern is part of a broader surge of polar air expected across the eastern United States.
No snow or tornado threat is indicated for Raleigh in the supplied local forecast.
Raleigh Five Day Weather Outlook: Nov. 12 16 Thursday, Nov. 12: Mostly sunny, high 71°F. Wind gusts up to 24 mph. Low 44°F. Friday, Nov. 13: Sunny and cooler, high 57°F. Low 37°F. Saturday, Nov. 14: Mostly sunny, high 54°F. Frost possible early. Low 34°F. Sunday, Nov. 15: Sunny, high 55°F. Widespread freeze possible early. Low 34°F. Monday, Nov. 16: Sunny, high 55°F. Freeze concerns early. Low 34°F. Extended outlook: Tuesday reaches 56 degrees, with a low near 34. Wednesday brings sunshine and a high near 58.
As Thanksgiving approaches, residents should continue monitoring temperature trends. The supplied outlook does not establish a specific snow event later in November.
Are you preparing your plants and outdoor spaces for the first significant November freeze? Tell us how cold temperatures get in your neighborhood.