The Triangle is under a Cold Weather Advisory Sunday night. Here’s the latest.
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- NWS issued a cold weather advisory for central NC from Sun 6 p.m. to Mon 9 a.m.
- Forecast predicts temperatures in the teens with wind chills of 3 to 10 degrees.
- Per NWS, wear hats and gloves, keep pets sheltered, and check older neighbors.
As Arctic air comes to central North Carolina, the National Weather Service has issued a cold weather advisory for Sunday night.
The advisory will be in effect from Sunday at 6 p.m. to Monday at 9 a.m. The NWS forecasts overnight low temperatures in the teens, with the wind chill as low as 4 degrees. Temperatures that cold could quickly lead to hypothermia.
Outlook for Sunday and next week
Temperatures will be reasonable Sunday morning, hitting a high of 43 degrees around midday, according to the NWS. But temperatures will fall to 29 degrees before 5 p.m., with wind chills as low as 20 degrees. Temperatures will drop to a low around 15 Sunday night and remain there until Monday morning.
“Bitterly cold temperatures and wind chills are expected on tonight and Monday morning. Wind gusts could gust as high as 30 mph on Sunday evening, and wind chills will get as low as the single digits,” according to the NWS.
Monday afternoon will feel more bearable with temperatures reaching the mid-to-upper 30s, according to the NWS. From Tuesday onward, temperatures will be in the low 50s to low 60s for the rest of the week.
A cold weather advisory is issued when seasonably — but not extremely — cold air or wind chill temperatures are expected. The NWS advises that you:
- Dress in layers. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat and gloves when going outside.
- Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Outdoor pets need a warm, dry shelter, food and unfrozen water.
- Check on older family, friends and neighbors frequently.
Northwest winds at a speed of 15 to 25 mph will also blow through Sunday night, putting any unsecured outdoor objects — including holiday decorations — at risk of being blown away, according to the NWS. Peak gusts could reach 30 mph.
A 15-degree low is just shy of the record low in the Triangle for Sunday — the lowest temperature the NWS recorded on Dec. 14 at Raleigh-Durham International Airport was 13 degrees in 1960. The record low for Monday is much colder — 8 on Dec. 15, 1958. The average minimum temperature is around 33 degrees in mid-December.
Several counties have issued White Flag Alerts, opening up additional beds and resources for people who need a place to stay out of the cold.
- Information about white flag shelters in Wake County can be found by calling 919-759-5607 or visiting stjohnsmcc.org/emergency-shelter.
- Information about white flag shelters in Durham County can be found by visiting durhamnc.gov/4888/Severe-Weather-Updates-Resources.
- Information about white flag shelters in Orange County can be found by calling 919-245-2490 or visiting orangecountync.gov/3736/Cold-Weather-Shelter
Reporter Anna Roman contributed to this article.
This story was originally published December 13, 2025 at 5:34 PM.
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