When North Carolina, South Carolina Winter Weather Could Let Up
If you’re someone who enjoys true winter-like weather, than you’re probably loving January in the U.S. Following a very mild November, winter started to kick into full gear across the country, and much of the U.S. is experiencing colder than normal conditions. That includes North Carolina and South Carolina. If you’re wondering about the timeline for the region’s winter blast and how long you’re going to have to bundle up, then here’s what to know. As someone who doesn’t enjoy cold weather all, I’m certainly hoping for spring weather soon.
North Carolina and South Carolina Winter Weather Blast
If it seems colder to you this season than last, then you’re right. The 2023-24 winter season was warmer than normal due to an El Niño weather pattern. Throughout the winter, much of the U.S. received mild temperatures and less snow and ice. According to the National Weather Service, an El Niño season means that “above-average sea-surface temperatures that periodically develop across the east-central equatorial Pacific,” and “it represents the warm phase of the ENSO cycle.”
But, the 2024-25 winter season is having a La Niña weather pattern, which means to expect more frigid temperatures and more snowfall. For areas with a lot of lakes or the sea, that can mean even more snow and bitterly cold winds. Per to the National Weather Service, a La Niña season “refers to the periodic cooling of sea-surface temperatures across the east-central equatorial Pacific.” So, if you’re someone who prefers a milder winter, always hope for an El Niño weather pattern in the winter months. We’re not so lucky to get that this season.
So, how long will the cold weather last in the North Carolina and South Carolina regions? For North Carolina, the 10-day weather forecast from the Weather Channel, which provides an overview of the state’s weather, projects lows in the teens or 20s through at least Jan. 24. Thankfully, it also projects sunny skies, so at least there’s that. For South Carolina, the forecast is only a bit warmer, with lows in the 20s and low 30s through at least Jan. 24. So, keep those earmuffs and scarves handy.
