North Carolina Sunday Weather Looks Mostly Wet and Cold as Snow Chances Fade With Daytime System
NORTH CAROLINA — Sunday’s winter weather setup across North Carolina is trending weaker for snow, with the latest forecast data pointing toward a mostly cold rain event and only limited chances for snow, especially during daylight hours.
Cold Front and Coastal System Create Marginal Winter Setup
Meteorologists say a cold front approaching from the west, combined with an upper-level trough to the north and a developing low-pressure system along the coast, will influence the state on Sunday. However, timing is working against meaningful snowfall, as cold air is lagging behind the main moisture.
This pattern typically limits snow potential, particularly without a strong high-pressure system to the north to lock in cold air at the surface.
Daytime Timing Greatly Reduces Snow Accumulation Potential
One of the biggest limiting factors is that most precipitation will fall during the daytime, when surface temperatures are warmer. Even if snowflakes mix in at times, melting will occur quickly, especially on roads and paved surfaces. At this time, only very limited accumulation is possible, mainly on grassy or elevated surfaces, and only in isolated locations.
Eastern and Coastal North Carolina: Mostly Cold Rain
Across eastern and coastal North Carolina, including areas near the coast, cold plain rain is expected to dominate from Sunday morning through the afternoon. Forecast guidance suggests little to no snow accumulation in these regions, with only the chance of a few wet flakes mixing in toward the end of the event farther inland. Travel impacts in these areas are expected to be minimal.
Central North Carolina: Rain With Brief Snow Mixing Possible
For central North Carolina, including areas around Greensboro and Charlotte, the forecast leans toward mostly cold rain, though periods of heavier precipitation could briefly allow snow to mix in at times Sunday afternoon.
There is a nonzero chance of a light dusting, especially on elevated or grassy surfaces, but widespread accumulation is not expected. A best-case scenario would be spotty dustings up to around an inch, though forecasters say that outcome currently appears unlikely.
Western North Carolina: Mostly Dry With Low Snow Odds
In western North Carolina, conditions currently look mostly dry, though forecasters note that a westward shift in the coastal low could introduce some snow chances. At this time, however, odds remain very low, and any snow would be brief and highly localized. Confidence remains higher that many western areas see little to no precipitation at all.
Overall Confidence Points to a Low-Impact Event
Despite early speculation, meteorologists emphasize that this is not shaping up to be a significant winter storm. Multiple factors — poor cold-air timing, daytime precipitation, and weak forcing — are working against snow accumulation.
While forecast uncertainty remains, current guidance supports a low-impact Sunday weather event with cold rain, occasional snow mixing, and minimal travel concerns. Are you seeing rain or snow where you live this weekend? Share your local conditions and stay informed with continued coverage from SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
