North Carolina Weather Authority (2024)

FAQs

What part of North Carolina has the best weather? ›

The Piedmont region in central North Carolina offers something right in between the coastal and the mountainous climates. The region includes Charlotte, Fayetteville and the Triangle (including Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill). If mild is what you are looking for, the Piedmont region is for you.

Areas in closer distance to jet streams will often end up with extreme temperature variations. North Carolina is one of those areas. There are two jet streams contributing to North Carolina weather: the polar jet and subtropical jet. Up north lies the polar jet; down south lies the subtropical jet.

North Carolina experiences about 40 to 50 thunderstorm days per year. About 10 percent of thunderstorms are classified as severe – one that produces hail at least an inch in diameter, has winds of 58 miles per hour or stronger, or produces a tornado.

North Carolina is one of only three states in which a major mountain range is adjacent to a warm current of water. The proximity of the Atlantic Ocean's Gulf Stream and the Appalachian Mountains in the west is a primary causative factor in the state's climate and weather.

While temperatures fluctuate throughout the year in most U.S. states, there are few states with warm weather that see averages around 70-degree weather year-round. These states include Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and New Mexico.

In addition to being named the top place to live in North Carolina, Raleigh was also among the top 25 best cities in America, best cities to raise a family and with the best public schools in the country, according to Niche.

Anywhere in the mountains will experience less humidity in the summer. So in NC that would be Boone, Blowing Rock or Asheville.

All parts of North Carolina have been hit by tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, lightning strikes, snow and ice storms. These natural disasters can cause power outages, property damage and disruption to food and water supplies. Dangerous materials events also may cause you problems.

Both pollutants are caused mainly by emissions from cars and trucks, and from the coal-burning power plants that supply a large amount of our electricity. Even with cleaner cars and other new technology, our air could get worse as our population grows, endangering our health and reducing our quality of life.

Tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, snow, and ice storms have hit all parts of the state. These natural disasters can cause power outages, property damage, and more. Make sure you are prepared to handle anything before moving.

What are major issues in North Carolina? ›

The continuing release of heat-trapping gases into the atmosphere as a result of human activity makes for a warmer, wetter, and more humid North Carolina. Scientists from across the state agree that the changes to our climate in this century will be larger than anything experienced in North Carolina's historical past.

People in North Carolina will experience especially increased risks from heat, precipitation, and drought due to climate change over the next 30 years.

But whether you're looking to hike glaciers and ski down snow-packed mountains or just to enjoy a pleasant reprieve from the heat, there is likely a city here that meets your winter needs. North Carolina's coldest location was found to be Asheville.

To start, Asheville tops North Carolina's list. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this city is famed for its dynamic creative arts scene and charming historic architecture. And things just keep getting brighter. It is the sunniest city on our list with 222 days per year.

North Carolina's mountainous region—comprising the western quarter of the state—receives the most snowfall. The central area of the state, including urban cities like Charlotte and Raleigh, receives moderate snowfall, while coastal areas such as the Outer Banks see minimal snow.

1 Highlands

Visitors can go swimming and fishing at Lake Sequoyah or chase the town's many waterfalls. Moreover, Highlands has cooler summer weather than other towns in the southern US, making it the perfect place to cool off during North Carolina's summer.