Snow, wintry mix expected soon in the Triangle. Here’s the latest forecast
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Winter weather advisory covers Durham, Orange and nearby counties.
- Highest snowfall totals in the Triangle could be up to 2 inches in northernmost areas.
- Drivers and pedestrians should be prepared for slippery roads and sidewalks Friday.
Update: Read our latest weather coverage here.
Snow and other wintry precipitation is headed for central North Carolina.
Areas that will see the biggest impacts from the weather are in the northern Piedmont and northern Coastal Plain. The precipitation will begin overnight Thursday, Dec. 4 and last through Friday, Dec. 5.
A winter weather advisory is in place for multiple central North Carolina counties, including Durham and Orange counties from midnight Thursday until midnight Friday. Meteorologists are expecting mixed wintry precipitation, with total snow accumulations up to 1 inch and a light glaze of ice.
Cold rain could mix with snow and sleet in counties including Wake, Chatham and Johnston, resulting in a very light coating, especially on elevated surfaces. That coating will melt and wash away Friday, as rain continues and temperatures rise slightly.
How much snow is expected?
Up to an inch of snowfall is possible early Friday, according to the National Weather Service. Precipitation will continue later into the day as rain.
Areas that should expect the most amounts of snow are along and north of the Interstate 85 corridor and across the far northern Interstate 95 corridor.
Some models are forecasting that counties along the Virginia border and the northernmost areas of Durham and Orange counties will receive up to one-tenth of an inch of snowfall.
On the high end of the possibilities for snow accumulation, most areas in the Triangle counties would see up to 1 inch of snow, with the northernmost areas in Durham and Orange counties getting up to 2 inches of snow.
Temperatures for Raleigh and Durham
- In Durham, the low temperature Thursday night is 31. On Friday, the temperature is expected to rise to around 37. On Friday night, temperatures are expected to drop below freezing.
- Raleigh is expected to be a little warmer. The low temperature Thursday night is 33, and the temperature on Friday is expected to rise to around 38. On Friday night, it should dip below freezing.
Impacts from snow, wintry precipitation
The precipitation, coupled with very cold temperatures, could make road travel dangerous. Drivers should look out for slippery roads and hazardous conditions during the Friday morning and evening commutes, the National Weather Service said.
“Very isolated instances” of black ice are possible Friday night, according to the National Weather Service.
Some sidewalks may also be slippery.
This story was originally published December 4, 2025 at 10:54 AM.
