NORTH CAROLINA — A brief warm-up is expected to push temperatures back into the 40s by Tuesday, but a midweek system could follow with light rain Tuesday night into Wednesday afternoon, then a potential wet-snow mix Wednesday evening into very early Thursday, according to the latest forecast messaging tied to the updated model display.
Tuesday Brings a Break: Temperatures Climb Back Into the 40s
The forecast outlook emphasizes a “pretty nice warmup” into Tuesday, with much of the state rebounding into the 40s. That kind of temperature recovery matters because it reduces the odds of immediate winter impacts during the day, and it supports a mostly rain-driven event as moisture arrives later.
For many areas that have been dealing with repeated cold snaps, the warmer Tuesday setup is the short-term relief before the next round of unsettled weather moves in.
Rain Likely Tuesday Night Through Wednesday Afternoon
Scattered light rain is possible beginning Tuesday night and continuing into Wednesday afternoon. The messaging describes the rain as mostly light and not a major soaking event, suggesting intermittent showers rather than a long-lasting heavy rain shield.
This phase of the system is expected to be primarily liquid precipitation because temperatures are projected to remain mild enough for rain across much of the state during the daytime Wednesday period.
Wednesday Evening to Early Thursday: Where Wet Snow Could Mix In
The more uncertain piece comes later: the outlook notes that some wet snow could mix in with rain from Wednesday evening into very early Thursday. The map snapshot shown is timestamped Wednesday 02/04/26 at 8:00 PM, and it depicts a band of wintry precipitation (shaded in colder tones) stretching across parts of the central and northern Piedmont…