You’ve seen it before. You check the weather app, see a "rain and snow" icon, and suddenly the grocery store is out of bread and milk. People in Jacksonville tend to have a complicated relationship with winter weather. One minute you’re walking around in a light hoodie because it’s 64°F, and the next, you’re looking for an ice scraper you haven’t seen in three years.
Honestly, the 5 day forecast jacksonville nc is looking like a total roller coaster right now. We aren't talking about a "standard" North Carolina winter week where nothing happens. We’re looking at a massive 40-degree temperature swing and a legit chance of seeing some white stuff falling from the sky.
If you’ve lived here long enough, you know the drill. But if you’re new to Onslow County, buckle up. The next few days are going to be weird.
The Big Warmup Before the Chill
Saturday, January 17, is basically a "trick" day. We’re starting off with a high of 64°F. That’s almost ten degrees warmer than the historical average for mid-January. It’s mostly sunny, and if you’ve got yard work to do or want to grab a beer downtown, today is the day to do it.
But don't let the southwest winds and the sunshine fool you. By tonight, things start to shift. Clouds are rolling in, and the temperature is going to drop down to a low of 32°F.
That’s a 32-degree difference in less than 12 hours. Kinda wild, right?
Why Sunday is the Day Everyone is Talking About
Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, is where the 5 day forecast jacksonville nc gets interesting. While the National Weather Service in Morehead City is keeping a close eye on the moisture, the current data shows a 75% chance of precipitation.
Here is the breakdown of what to expect:
- Morning/Afternoon: We're looking at a mix of rain and snow. The high only hits 45°F, which is a sharp drop from Saturday.
- The Accumulation Question: Most of the time, our ground is too warm for snow to really "stick" in a major way, but with a 75% chance, you’re definitely going to see it.
- The Wind: Northwest winds will be kicking at about 12 mph, making that 45°F feel a lot more like 35°F.
Most people get wrong the idea that "mix" means nothing. In Jacksonville, a rain-snow mix often means slippery bridges. If you're driving near New River or over to the mall, remember that the bridges freeze way before the actual roads do. It’s a local classic for a reason.
Monday and Tuesday: The Real Freeze Sets In
Once the moisture clears out on Sunday night, the sky opens up, but the heat doesn't come back. Monday, January 19 (MLK Day), will be sunny, but "sunny" is a relative term when the high is only 49°F.
Actually, the low on Monday night is what should have you checking your pipes. We are looking at a low of 25°F.
Then comes Tuesday. This is likely the coldest day of the stretch. We’re talking about a high of 43°F and a bone-chilling low of 19°F. Yes, 19. That is well below the "normal" low of 34°F we usually see this time of year. If you have outdoor plants that aren't fans of the arctic, you’ve gotta bring them in or cover them up by Monday night.
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Mid-Week Recovery
By Wednesday, January 21, the 5 day forecast jacksonville nc starts to moderate a bit. We’ll see a high of 50°F with mostly cloudy skies. It’s not "warm" by any stretch of the imagination, but compared to 19 degrees, it’ll feel like a tropical vacation.
There is a 35% chance of light rain Wednesday night, but at that point, the lows are expected to stay around 21°F, so we might be dealing with some late-night frost again.
What This Means for Your Week
When the weather gets this jumpy, the best thing you can do is stay flexible. The "feels like" temperatures are going to be much lower than the numbers on the screen because of the humidity and wind off the water.
Actionable Steps for the Next 48 Hours:
- Saturday: Get your outdoor errands done. Wash the car, walk the dog, and enjoy the 64°F while it lasts.
- Sunday: Plan to stay off the roads if the "mix" starts early. Even if it doesn't accumulate, visibility will be low.
- Monday/Tuesday: Check on your neighbors and your pets. A 19°F low is legit dangerous for animals left outside.
- The Pipes: If you’re in an older home, maybe leave a crawl space light on or drip the faucets Tuesday night.
The weather in Jacksonville is rarely boring in January. Whether we get a dusting of snow or just a very cold rain, this 5-day stretch is definitely one for the books. Stay warm, drive safe, and don't forget that extra layer on Tuesday morning.