NORTH CAROLINA — A transition day is underway across the state as North Carolina moves toward a warmer and more extended spring-like pattern. Tuesday begins with areas of fog and patchy drizzle, but gradual clearing is expected later in the day — with noticeably milder temperatures east of the mountains.
A wedge of cooler air is holding firm across parts of western and central North Carolina, keeping highs in the 50s across the foothills and mountains, while eastern and southeastern counties push into the 60s and even upper 60s.
Cooler in the Mountains and Foothills
Across western North Carolina, afternoon highs remain limited to the 50s:
- Boone, Banner Elk and Todd: around 50–51°
- Asheville and Marion: near 57–59°
- Hickory and Shelby: around 58°
- Charlotte and Mooresville: near 59°
Higher elevations such as Spruce Pine and Sparta stay closer to the lower 50s.
Morning fog and drizzle are more likely in these areas before skies remain mostly cloudy through the afternoon.
Milder East of the Triangle
Moving east of the Triad and Triangle, temperatures climb more noticeably:
- Greensboro and Winston-Salem: near 57–58°
- Durham and Raleigh: around 59–60°
- Rocky Mount and Wilson: near 61–63°
- Greenville and Goldsboro: around 63–65°
Across southeastern North Carolina, the warmest readings are expected:
- Fayetteville and Clinton: near 65–68°
- Wilmington and Whiteville: around 66–68°
- Jacksonville and New Bern: mid-60s
- Lumberton and Laurinburg: mid to upper 60s
Coastal Temperatures Moderate
Along the Outer Banks and immediate coast, temperatures remain a bit cooler due to marine influence:
- Elizabeth City: around 57°
- Manteo and Corolla: near 53°
- Hatteras and Ocracoke: mid-50s
- Morehead City and Emerald Isle: upper 50s
Winds and Sky Conditions
North winds around 5–10 mph will continue through the day. After the morning fog and drizzle, skies are expected to remain partly to mostly cloudy, with some limited afternoon clearing…