RALEIGH, N.C. – After several chilly mornings and widespread frost across the state, North Carolina is entering a welcome stretch of milder weather. A broad ridge of high pressure is sliding east, allowing sunshine and southerly breezes to bring a brief but pleasant warm-up through the weekend before another cold front approaches early next week.
Warmer Air Returns Across the Triangle
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, temperatures are expected to rebound quickly by Thursday, with highs reaching near 62°F under clear skies. Winds will shift from the northwest to the south, carrying warmer and drier air into the region.
The late-week sunshine offers ideal conditions for yard cleanup, leaf pickup, and early holiday decorating. Morning fog may linger in some valleys, but the afternoons will feel seasonably warm and comfortable after a string of frosty dawns.
“We’ll enjoy several days of clear skies and mild afternoons before our next significant pattern change,” said a National Weather Service meteorologist based in Raleigh.
Ideal Travel and Outdoor Conditions Through Saturday
By Friday and Saturday, temperatures will climb further, with highs reaching between 65°F and 70°F across central North Carolina, including Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. Winds will remain light, and humidity will stay low — a perfect setup for weekend travel or outdoor projects.
Drivers along I-40, I-85, and through the Research Triangle can expect smooth conditions with plenty of sunshine. However, overnight lows will still dip into the 30s and low 40s, meaning patchy frost may still appear in rural valleys during early morning commutes.
Early Signs of Change Next Week
While the weekend brings a taste of late-fall warmth, meteorologists say the calm won’t last long. Long-range forecasts indicate a cooler, wetter pattern returning early next week as a cold front moves in from the west.
Scattered showers could arrive by Monday night into Tuesday, followed by a noticeable drop in temperatures. Some models even hint at a potential winter-like setup heading into Thanksgiving week, though details remain uncertain.
Solar Storm Fades, Clear Skies Prevail
The G4 solar storm that dazzled much of the U.S. sky with Northern Lights earlier this week continues to subside. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports minor GPS and radio signal disruptions may linger today, but North Carolina’s skies will remain mostly unaffected.
For now, residents across the Triangle region can enjoy blue skies, calm winds, and the rare warmth of mid-November before the next seasonal transition begins.
Five-Day Forecast for Raleigh, NC
- Thursday: 62°/38° – Mostly sunny; light winds, crisp morning start.
- Friday: 65°/45° – Sunny and mild; perfect outdoor weather.
- Saturday: 70°/56° – Mostly sunny; warmest day of the week.
- Sunday: 75°/48° – Partly sunny; hint of change late.
- Monday: 67°/45° – Cooler breeze; scattered showers possible.
Closing Outlook
This brief spell of warmth offers a final opportunity to enjoy the outdoors before colder air takes hold again next week. Keep an eye on updated National Weather Service advisories as models refine the expected late-month cool down.
What do you think about this shift in North Carolina’s weather? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
