With winter on the way weather you like it or not, we couldn’t resist peeping at some of the major weather trends headed our way. Thanks to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center , we know what temperatures and precipitation trends to expect for December, January, + February .
While exact weather conditions like snowfall typically can’t be predicted more than a week in advance, accurate seasonal outlooks can help us prepare for what winter will bring. Here’s what’s coming to the capital city:
The probability for winter temp differences across the US | Photo via the NOAA
🌡️ Temperature
Think warm. This winter, Raleigh has a 50-60% chance of temperatures being higher than normal.
🌨️ Precipitation
Slightly less precipitation. Raleigh has a 33-40% chance of seeing below normal snow and rainfall this winter, leaning toward average precipitation.
The probability for winter precipitation differences across the US | Photo via the NOAA
By the month: December
Raleigh’s average low-temperature in December is 38.3°F, but we might see more days this year closer to the average high-temperature —52.7°F — due to the anticipated temp rise. Did you know? December is one of the top three most humid months in Raleigh + the month with the least amount of sunshine at 5.5 average hours a day.
By the month: January
Raleigh’s lows in January are 32.9°F on average, with highs of 48°F. Plan for more of those warmer days. January tends to be Raleigh’s coldest month + usually sees the most snowfall with an average of 1.46 inches of snow. Predictions say we’ll see about that much snow or less. Bonus: Here are the NOAA’s winter safety tips . ❄️
By the month: February
Historically, February gets a little warmer here with an average low-temperature of 36.1°F + an average high-temperature of 53.1°F, so keep expecting to be closer to those highs. February usually rains for 11.3 days, so we might see a little less this winter.