The National Weather Service in Raleigh has issued a Cold Weather Advisory for central North Carolina, effective from this evening through Monday morning.
Forecasters warn that bitterly cold conditions will pose elevated risks for anyone outdoors without adequate protection, urging residents to take immediate precautions to protect people, plants, pets, and pipes.
Forecast: Freezing Temperatures and Single-Digit Wind Chills
Temperatures are expected to plunge Sunday night, reaching significant lows by Monday morning. The NWS forecasts minimum air temperatures ranging between 11 degrees and 17 degrees across the region.
Winston-Salem: 12
Greensboro & Burlington: 13
Raleigh: 15
Durham: 14
Roanoke Rapids: 14
Fayetteville: 15
The cold will be intensified by wind gusts, creating dangerous wind chill values that could drop into the single digits for many areas by Monday morning.
Roxboro: Wind chill as low as 3
Winston-Salem/Greensboro: Wind chill as low as 4
Raleigh: Wind chill as low as 6
Roanoke Rapids: Wind chill as low as 7
Safety Warnings for Vulnerable Populations
The NWS emphasizes that these conditions pose elevated cold-exposure risks. Hypothermia can begin when body temperature drops just two to four degrees, and wind chill accelerates heat loss by breaking the body's insulating layer of warmth.
Residents are advised to check on vulnerable family members and neighbors, specifically:
The elderly and newborns: Bodies in these age groups are less able to regulate temperature efficiently.
Outdoor workers and the unhoused: Limit time outdoors and dress in loose layers covering all exposed skin.
Those with chronic illness: Ensure they are warm and safe.
Pet and Home Safety
Residents are reminded not to forget their pets. Winter conditions can be deadly even for animals with fur coats.
Bring pets indoors: Keep them warm and dry whenever possible.
Limit outdoor time: When outside, keep pets bundled up and wipe their paws thoroughly upon return.
Hydration: Provide plenty of food and water, as dehydration is a winter risk for animals.
This advisory remains in effect until 9 a.m., Monday, and residents are encouraged to monitor local forecasts for updates.
