‘Very cold’ weather expected Thanksgiving week in the Triangle. Latest forecast

Turkey, stuffing and sides will be paired with dry and cool weather conditions in the Triangle on Thanksgiving this year.

A cold front is expected to move through the area Tuesday, Nov. 25 and Wednesday, Nov. 26, bringing rain, said Chrissy Anderson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Raleigh.

“If you plan on leaving after work today [Tuesday], driving through the night westward, it might be a little wet, so definitely take caution driving on wet roads,” Anderson said.

The heaviest rain is expected to fall in the western parts of the state, with less than 0.25 inches of rain in the forecast for the Triangle.

The front may linger, but conditions Wednesday afternoon into the evening should be dry, with wind gusts around 20-25 mph.

Thanksgiving weather forecast

On Thursday, Nov. 27, the Triangle should stay dry, Anderson said. After a couple of days of warmer temperatures, with highs in the 70s, Thanksgiving will be cooler, with high temperatures around 50 degrees.

Even colder temperatures are expected in the Triangle Friday, Nov. 28 and Saturday, Nov. 29. High temperatures during the day will be in the low-to-mid 40s, “struggling to get there,” Anderson said. Overnight temperatures will be below freezing, in the low-to-mid 20s on Friday and low 30s on Saturday.

“It’s going to be very, very cold,” Anderson said.

There are no chances of rain in the forecast Friday or Saturday, but it may rain Sunday, Nov. 30. The forecast may change, but as of Tuesday morning, Nov. 25, rain was likely starting Sunday afternoon, when temperatures around the 50s or 60s are expected, Anderson said.

Thanksgiving 2025

Here’s everything you need to know about Thanksgiving week in the Raleigh area.

• Some restaurants are open on Thanksgiving day. Here’s a list.
• Only a handful of grocery stores are open (with limited hours) on Thursday. Learn which ones.
• Which grocer has the most affordable store-bought Thanksgiving meal? We checked.
• Trash pickup schedules change for the holiday around the Triangle. Check your town.
• Liquor stores also change hours, but here’s where you can still buy booze on the holiday.
• Cold weather is expected around Thanksgiving. Here’s how chilly it could get.
• Holiday travel could be impacted by severe weather conditions throughout the country.
• If you’re flying for the holiday, follow these travel tips to avoid RDU’s usual Thanksgiving mayhem.
• Where’s the best pie? This beloved local bakery just won our contest.
• Many malls and stores are shifting their hours for Black Friday. Here’s how early they’ll open.

This story has been updated.

This story was originally published November 25, 2025 at 11:14 AM.

Renee Umsted

The News & Observer

202-383-6008

Renee Umsted is The News & Observer’s Affordability Reporter. She writes about what it costs to live in the Triangle, with a consumer-focused approach. She has a degree in journalism from TCU.