Raleigh, North Carolina – North Carolina is waking up to mild air, damp grass, and an almost springlike feel as Christmas week unfolds. While the warmth is welcome now, forecasters say a noticeable shift is already lining up just in time for post-holiday travel.
According to the National Weather Service office in Raleigh, temperatures will surge well above normal through Christmas Day before cooling down heading into Friday and Saturday. Central North Carolina avoids the winter storms impacting other regions, but changing conditions could still affect drivers.
Warm Christmas Day Brings Unseasonable Conditions
High temperatures are expected to climb close to 70 degrees on Christmas Day, paired with light winds and filtered sunshine. The day will feel more like early fall than late December, offering smooth travel conditions across much of the region.
Road surfaces are expected to remain dry for most of the day, and visibility stays generally good. For those heading out to holiday gatherings, weather-related travel disruptions are unlikely during daylight hours.
Late Thursday Disturbance May Create Wet Roads
Meteorologists are tracking a weak disturbance approaching late Thursday. Cloud cover increases through the day, and a slight chance of rain develops by evening.
Rain chances remain low, but brief wet pavement is possible after sunset. Drivers should stay alert, especially on shaded roads and less-traveled routes where moisture can linger longer. While rainfall amounts are minimal, timing matters for those traveling at night.
Cooler Air Arrives Friday With Cloud Cover
Friday marks a clear transition back toward winterlike air. Highs fall into the upper 40s, accompanied by mostly cloudy skies.
No snow or ice is expected across central North Carolina, but the temperature drop is still important. Any moisture left behind from Thursday evening could contribute to isolated slick spots early in the morning, particularly in rural areas, bridges, and overpasses.
Saturday Brings Sunshine but Changing Travel Conditions
By Saturday, sunshine returns, and afternoon highs rebound into the upper 60s. Despite the warmer daytime temperatures, mornings will feel cooler, especially for travelers heading out early.
Fog-prone areas may develop around dawn, and drivers could notice changing road conditions after recent rainfall. While conditions improve through the day, caution is advised during early travel hours.
Why This Pattern Still Matters for Drivers
This is not a winter storm setup for North Carolina. However, sharp swings from warm to cool temperatures increase the risk of patchy slick spots during the first week of winter. That risk is highest late at night and early in the morning, when roads cool fastest.
Nationwide, winter weather is intensifying elsewhere. Heavy rain threatens Southern California, while snow and ice impact the Northeast and Great Lakes. Locally, the key message is timing and awareness, especially for those traveling around the holiday weekend.
Five-Day Outlook for Raleigh, North Carolina
- Today: Sunny and warm, high near 70
- Christmas Day: Partly sunny, near 70
- Thursday: Mostly cloudy, slight rain chance, high near 48
- Friday: Cloudy and cooler, high near 48
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 68
Final Takeaway for Holiday Travelers
North Carolina enjoys a warm and quiet Christmas, but cooler air and brief rain chances follow quickly. While major weather disruptions are unlikely, staying alert to wet roads, early fog, and temperature swings can help ensure safer post-holiday travel.
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