Light snow is headed to the Triangle, NWS says. Here’s when and how much

Read the latest story from Wednesday, Feb. 4: Snow, sleet or freezing rain expected tonight. Forecast for Raleigh & Durham

Wintry precipitation including snow is still in the forecast this week, according to the National Weather Service.

But first, the Triangle will get rain.

Light rain will begin Tuesday night, Feb. 3, and continue through Wednesday, Feb. 4.

On Wednesday night, the rain is expected to transition to light snow. Snowfall amounts should be limited, with less than 1 inch of snow falling across the Triangle, according to the National Weather Service forecast. Localized amounts will vary.

Low temperatures Wednesday night are expected in the mid and upper 20s across the Triangle.

Thursday, Feb. 5 is expected to stay dry during the day, with highs in the upper 30s.

When is winter over?

The Triangle continues to recover from the past weekend’s winter storm.

Interstates and major highways are mostly clear of snow, but the North Carolina Department of Transportation said it may take several days to clean up other state-maintained roads, especially those in areas that received heavy snow. And many local school systems canceled classes again Tuesday, or moved to remote instruction.

While temperatures will be warmer this week, in comparison to the past couple of weeks, winter isn’t over yet.

Meteorological winter, which follows the calendar and average temperatures, lasts until the end of February. Astronomical winter, based on the sun’s position, ends on the spring equinox, on Friday, March 20, according to CNN.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac previously predicted a colder-than-normal winter, with coldest periods in mid- to late December, early and late January and early February.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center expects below-normal temperatures in the Triangle in February.

This story was originally published February 3, 2026 at 10:36 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.