First freeze and frost of season possible in Triangle on Friday. How cold will it get?
The first frost or freeze of the season could hit parts of central North Carolina on Friday as temperatures plunge 20 degrees below normal.
Durham, Orange, Wake and other counties in the region are under freeze warnings from 2 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Nov. 5. To the south and east, frost advisories have been issued for the same time period in several counties, including Johnston, forecasters said.
The National Weather Service has urged people in the Triangle to cover their plants, as the expected cold conditions could put them at risk. Forecasters didn’t warn about driving hazards but did share additional advice for those living in areas under freeze warnings.
“To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly,” the weather service said. “Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above-ground pipes to protect them from freezing.”
Typically, the area first sees temperatures dip into the 30s around Oct. 16, according to ABC11, The News & Observer’s media partner.
The alerts were issued as the Triangle is seeing below-normal temperatures. On Nov. 4, the normal maximum temperature at Raleigh-Durham International Airport is 67.5 degrees, records show.
But on Thursday, the temperature is only expected to reach 45 degrees. During the day, forecasters expect about a tenth of an inch of rain as a disturbance moves through the area, ABC11 reported.
Overnight, temperatures could fall to 33 degrees near the airport and go down to 30 degrees in some areas under the freeze warning, forecasters said.
During the day Friday, the high is expected to be 54 degrees after the morning frost clears.
This story was originally published November 4, 2021 at 8:33 AM.
