‘Dangerously cold’ weather, strong wind hits the Triangle. Latest updates here.
The “dangerously cold” weather forecast to hit the Triangle over the Christmas weekend is being preceded Friday by strong wind gusts and isolated storms.
The National Weather Service forecast calls for an arctic front moving through the Triangle Friday, which will bring “dangerously cold” temperatures and gusty winds to the area. Cold temperatures will dominate much of the Christmas weekend, making for a colder-than-normal holiday.
Gusty winds will stick around through most of today, and a brief hail storm in Chapel Hill Friday morning left some without power. By mid-day, power outages affecting almost 50,000 people were reported across the Triangle.
When does the super cold weather move into the Triangle?
A hazardous weather outlook went into effect for the Triangle 7 a.m. Friday, and it will remain in place until 9 a.m. Saturday.
The combination of “very cold air and strong winds” will bring wind chill values below zero and ten below, the National Weather Service warned.
How windy will it get in the Triangle?
West winds of 15-25 mph, with frequent gusts of 30-40 mph, will occur through Friday evening.
A surge of gusts 40-50 mph, isolated to around 55 mph, are expected between 6 and 10 a.m. in the Triangle, per NWS.
Here’s what NWS says maximum wind gusts will be Friday morning in nearby towns:
Raleigh-Durham: 54 mph
Winston-Salem: 45 mph
Burlington: 47 mph
Greensboro: 49 mph
Pope AFB: 41 mph
Rockingham: 44 mph
How cold will it get?
High temperatures in the Triangle on Friday are forecast to be in the low-40s, with “temperatures crashing down” to the 30s and 20s by the afternoon, then dropping into the teens and single digits overnight.
“Associated wind and sharply colder temperatures will create wind chill values between zero and 10 above late Friday through Saturday morning,” the NWS’ Hazardous Outlook for this weekend’s weather reads.
On Saturday, “the winds aren’t going to be as bad” — but temperatures in the Triangle will still be “quite cold,” with a high of just about 30 degrees.
“That is way below normal, like more than 20 degrees below normal” and could set a record for the lowest maximum temperature on that date, said James Danco of the NWS.
By Saturday night, temperatures will again reach the teens.
What’s the weather forecast for Christmas Day?
By Sunday, Christmas Day, the weather will “start to moderate a little bit, but it’s still going to be cold.” The forecast shows a high in Raleigh on Sunday of 35 degrees.
In the days following Christmas, temperatures will continue to warm up, with highs likely reaching the 40s — “still below normal but not like brutally cold, like what we’re going to see Friday into the weekend.”
Will there be rain or snow?
Before the bitterly cold front moves in early Friday, the Triangle will be in for a wet day on Thursday, rainfall totals in Raleigh “between three quarters and one inch possible,” the NWS forecast reads.
The chance for rain sticks around until before noon on Friday, the forecast reads.
As the cold moves in and the rain continues for a brief period, is winter precipitation possible?
“It’s not totally out of the question,” Danco said, but don’t expect more than a few snowflakes — and definitely don’t expect accumulation.
“The rain looks to be fairly light on Friday, so I don’t think that is a major concern,” Danco said. “And you know, with the strong winds and crashing dew point, it’s gonna get so dry, that there’s going to be a lot of evaporation going on. So I don’t think that that’s really a major concern.”
How to prepare for cold, NC State of Emergency
With such cold weather on the way to the Triangle, it’s a good idea to take time now to prepare.
READ MORE: NC winter storm survival guide: Tips to stay safe and warm when snow or ice are forecast
Gov. Roy Cooper on Tuesday signed a State of Emergency order “to activate the state’s emergency operations plan, waive transportation regulations to help the transport of fuel and critical supplies, help first responders and protect consumers from price gouging.”
“We know that with the extremely low temperatures North Carolinians will need propane and other heating fuel to keep their families warm,” Cooper said in a news release announcing the order.
“While propane supplies are strong in the state, there is a limited supply of licensed commercial truck drivers, which is being further exacerbated by COVID and flu outbreaks. The State of Emergency will help ease some restrictions and allow heating fuel companies to keep up with demand.”
Danco recommended the following tips to prepare for the brutally cold temperatures:
▪ Try to stay inside as much as possible during the coldest periods — Friday and Saturday — but if you have to go outside, make sure to dress appropriately for the weather, wearing multiple layers, hats and gloves.
▪ Keep an emergency kit close by in your home and your car. Include items like food, water, extra clothes and blankets.
▪ Take steps to protect your home, including weatherizing, winterizing and insulating doors, windows and pipes.
▪ Keep your thermostat set to a temperature that will keep yourself and pipes warm. If you live in a rental, your lease may include information about the minimum temperature allowed during the winter.
▪ Don’t forget about your pets. Bring them inside to keep them warm.
Keep up with the latest forecast
Want to keep up with the latest forecast for the upcoming weather? Visit the NWS Raleigh website at weather.gov/rah.
This story was originally published December 21, 2022 at 10:46 AM.
