The National Weather Service in Raleigh is prompting residents to brave a stretch of unseasonably cold air as temperatures in Central North Carolina continue to dwell significantly below the average. With estimates of approximately 10 to 20 degrees under the norm, the NWS advises "to dress in layers and ensure your pets have access to plenty of food, water, and shelter indoors if possible." Today's forecast indicates a high near 43 with wind chill values that could dip to a biting 22 degrees, with a northwest wind blowing gently at 5 to 7 mph.
Tonight's conditions are expected to be clear with lows hovering around 22 degrees, but there is no wind to speak of to cut through the cold. Wednesday offers a slight temperature rise, with sunny skies and a high near 49, however, wind chill values in the early hours might feel as low as 22. Winds could also pick up, gusting as high as 18 mph, according to the latest update from the NWS.
The brief respite of milder weather will come to an end as we head into the latter part of the week. Thursday brings back a sturdier southwest wind of 13 to 16 mph which will swing northwest in the afternoon. Gusts could reach up to 26 mph, while the high for the day is forecast to be near 54. The skipping rise in temperature will be short-lived as chilly conditions take stage once again on Friday and Saturday.
As part the ongoing weather developments, the NWS has issued its "Hazardous Weather Outlook" for central North Carolina, reminding those in the affected regions to prepare adequately. "Unseasonably cold conditions are expected again Friday and Saturday," the NWS cautions, reinforcing the need for residents to stay warm through proper attire and for pet owners to keep their animals safely sheltered and well-fed. The coming days promise sunnier skies, with Friday's high reaching 42 and Saturday peaking at 48, while nighttime lows are predicted to be in the low twenties. Moving forward into next week, the potential for rain looms with a 40% chance by Monday.
