Arctic Morning Chill Gives Way to a Quiet but Cool North Carolina Tuesday With Limited Afternoon Warmth
NORTH CAROLINA — A cold Arctic start greets the state Tuesday morning, with temperatures in the teens and 20s across most areas, followed by a calm but seasonably chilly day as sunshine dominates and afternoon highs struggle to climb.
A Bitter Morning Start Across the State
Daybreak temperatures are firmly on the cold side, especially in the mountains and foothills where readings dip into the mid to upper teens, while much of central and eastern North Carolina starts in the low to mid 20s. Light northwest winds at 5 to 10 mph add an extra chill early in the day, making it feel colder than the thermometer suggests.
Sunshine Abundant but Warm-Up Limited
Skies turn bright and sunny statewide, but despite the sunshine, the cold air mass remains firmly in place. High temperatures only recover into the 30s across the mountains and northern Piedmont, with upper 30s to low 40s common through central North Carolina.
Farther east and south, including coastal communities, highs reach the low to mid 40s, with a few spots near the coast pushing the mid to upper 40s by mid to late afternoon.
Mountains and Foothills Stay the Coldest
Western North Carolina remains the cold spot throughout the day. Mountain towns hold in the upper 20s to mid 30s, while nearby foothill communities hover around the upper 30s. Even with sunshine, snowpack and elevation effects keep temperatures suppressed.
Piedmont and Coastal Plain See Slightly Milder Conditions
The Piedmont, including the Charlotte, Triad, and Triangle regions, settles into the upper 30s and low 40s, while the Coastal Plain and Outer Banks enjoy the mildest readings of the day, generally in the low to mid 40s, with isolated upper 40s closer to the water.
A Calm and Tranquil Winter Day
Aside from the cold, today is a quiet weather day across North Carolina. No precipitation is expected, travel conditions remain good, and winds gradually ease through the afternoon. The primary takeaway is the lack of meaningful warmth, even under clear skies.
Looking Ahead to Potential Winter Weather
While Tuesday remains tranquil, attention is already turning to possible winter weather later this week, as colder air remains nearby and future systems are monitored closely. Forecast confidence and details will improve as the pattern becomes clearer.
For now, residents should bundle up for the cold start, enjoy the sunshine, and prepare for another chilly January day. If you’re noticing especially cold temperatures or local conditions where you live, share your observations with fellow readers at CabarrusWeekly.com.
