Residents in Raleigh and central North Carolina are expected to see a significant drop in temperatures this week as an Arctic air mass moves in, according to the National Weather Service in Raleigh. After a mostly sunny day with highs near 74°F, tonight is forecasted to have a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2 a.m., followed by likely showers and possible thunderstorms between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., then clearing ahead of colder conditions.
Tonight’s low is expected to be around 58°F with calm winds shifting south and a 70% chance of precipitation, as per the NWS. The next few days will be milder, with Sunday seeing a slight chance of showers and a partly sunny high near 76°F. Sunday night will cool down to around 43°F as daytime warmth fades.
On Monday, the NWS forecasts sunny skies with a high near 51°F and northwest winds gusting up to 20 mph. Monday night brings a significant Arctic air outbreak, causing a hard freeze with temperatures dropping into the 20s.
The NWS has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for central North Carolina, with winds potentially gusting up to 40 mph. Residents are advised to prepare for severe cold. The forecast states, "Arctic air will surge across central North Carolina Monday night." Spotter activation is not expected at this time.
