North Carolina Weather Alert: Freeze Warning Likely as Temperatures Plunge Early Next Week

Charlotte, NC – After a mild and breezy weekend, residents across central North Carolina should brace for a dramatic temperature drop as a powerful cold front ushers in the coldest air of the season by Monday night, according to the National Weather Service in Raleigh.

Weekend Warmth Gives Way to a Rapid Cooldown

Saturday’s sunshine and highs in the mid-70s will mark the end of fall’s warmth. A few passing showers and isolated thunderstorms could move through late Sunday morning, but skies will clear by afternoon as a strong cold front sweeps south across the Carolinas.

Forecasters warn that behind this front, temperatures could fall by nearly 25 degrees within 24 hours, with northwest winds delivering a noticeable chill by Sunday night.

“The front arriving early Monday will make temperatures feel more like December than early November,” meteorologists said.

Hard Freeze Possible by Monday Night

Monday’s high will struggle to reach the low 50s, and by late evening, areas including Wake, Johnston, and Chatham Counties may dip below freezing. The National Weather Service cautions that a hard freeze is likely across rural counties from Lee to Granville, effectively ending the growing season for much of central North Carolina.

Residents are advised to cover outdoor plants, protect pipes, and bring pets indoors before Monday night. Farmers and agricultural operations should take protective measures for crops and equipment sensitive to frost.

Veterans Day Outlook and Midweek Recovery

Tuesday—Veterans Day—will bring crisp sunshine and light winds, ideal for outdoor ceremonies but chilly at dawn, with temperatures near freezing and possible frost formation across low-lying areas.

By midweek, temperatures will rebound into the low 60s as a calmer weather pattern returns, offering a brief reprieve before another potential cold push later in the month.

Five-Day Forecast for Raleigh, NC

• Saturday: 74°/58° – Mostly sunny; mild, breezy late.
• Sunday: 76°/43° – Spotty storms early; clearing skies, cooler by night.
• Monday: 51°/31° – Sunny, brisk; first hard freeze likely late.
• Tuesday (Veterans Day): 49°/36° – Clear and cold; frost at sunrise.
• Wednesday: 61°/43° – Milder and bright; fall comfort returns.

Are you ready for North Carolina’s first hard freeze of the season? Share your tips for keeping warm in the comments below.