After Record High Temperatures, Colder Weather is Finally in the Forecast for Friday
After a week of above-average January temperatures that hovered in the 60s and 70s, the Outer Banks may finally see some winter weather starting on Friday, with increasing north winds and a significant temperature drop, per a recent update from the National Weather Service Newport / Morehead City office.
A record high temperature was observed at Cape Hatteras, (Billy Mitchell Field in Frisco), for three consecutive days from January 10 through January 12. Records at this location date back to 1893.
- On January 12, the observed high of 72 broke the previous record of 71 from 1995 and 1972.
- On January 11, the observed high of 71 broke the previous record of 70 from 2014.
Mild temperatures will continue on Thursday with highs in the lower 60s along the Outer Banks, and northwest winds will become gusty Thursday afternoon with temperatures dropping to the low 40s / upper 30s on Friday. There is no threat of freezing temperatures at this time, and temperatures will rise once again briefly over the weekend.
Due to the increasing winds, a Small Craft Advisory is in effect from 7 p.m. on Thursday evening until 8 p.m. on Friday. North winds of 15-25 Knots with guests up to 35 knots offshore is expected, along with very rough waters in the Pamlico Sound.
For more information on the local forecast, visit www.weather.gov/mhx for weather information, or the National Weather Service office in Newport / Morehead City’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NWSMoreheadCity/.
