Given that temperatures have been dropping faster this year, many people are wondering whether North Carolina might have a colder-than-usual winter. People have already noticed how chilly the mornings have been, and it feels like winter is showing up early. Some forecasts suggest that cold air from the north may push down more frequently, especially during December and January. Even though winters have gotten warmer overall, North Carolina can still get those random, surprising snow weeks. With El Niño changing the weather patterns, we could have warm days mixed wth sudden cold fronts.

   One of the coldest Arctic outbreaks on record for the eastern United States arrived in the Carolinas during the second half of January 1985, bringing temperatures below zero. The Appalachian Mountains average 40°F, while the Piedmont region, including Raleigh and Charlotte, averages around 50°F.

   January is generally the coldest month across the state, with NC’s coldest temperatures occasionally dropping into the teens or single digits in many areas and going below zero in high-elevation areas. According to NC State University, Climate Change and Winter Weather. The average winter temperature across the entire state has increased by 1.8 degrees from the 20th century to the 21st century so far, with warmer nights and days. 

   Broughton junior Louise Montgomery says, “I personally enjoy warm weather so much more than cold. Especially this fall, it has been extremely cold compared to previous years. This time last year, I was wearing shorts, and now I am still cold wearing sweatpants and a sweatshirt.”

   On December 6, many counties, including WCPSS, issued a two-hour delay due to potential winter weather impacts, such as black ice and hazardous travel conditions. Raleigh, as well as many other areas in North Carolina, saw a slight snowfall on December 8 through 9. As a result, WCPSS closed for those two days.