/assets/production/practices/9246fa36bb8516b828fb63c57166ec3c0dd40a43/images/2661057.jpg)
So, you’re looking at the sky in Wake Forest and wondering if you actually need that heavy parka or if the North Carolina "fake winter" is playing tricks on you again. Honestly, the wake forest nc weather hourly report today is a bit of a chaotic mess. We aren't just talking about a little chill; we've got a weird mix of light rain and actual snow flurries moving through the area.
Right now, it's about 35°F outside. But if you step out onto White Street, it’s gonna feel like 28°F. That 9 mph wind coming out of the northwest is doing no favors for anyone trying to enjoy an outdoor coffee. Humidity is sitting at a whopping 95%, so that dampness is just sticking to everything. Basically, it’s that bone-chilling kind of cold that Southerners aren't always mentally prepared for in January.
✨ Don't miss: Why Ceballos Funeral Home in McAllen Still Matters to Local Families
The Afternoon Shift: From Rain to Snow
Most people think North Carolina snow is a myth until it’s suddenly shutting down US-1. Today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, we’ve got a high of 42°F, which sounds manageable. But don’t let that number fool you. The hourly breakdown shows a 100% chance of precipitation during the day, specifically transitioning from rain to snow.
If you're planning on being out, watch the temperature drop. The real "fun" starts as we lose that daytime heat. By tonight, the clouds are expected to clear out, but the temperature is absolutely tanking to a low of 26°F.
- Current Temp: 35°F (Feels like 28°F)
- Wind: 9 mph Northwest
- Precipitation: 36% chance of light showers (rising to 100% later)
- Tonight's Low: 26°F
You've probably noticed that Wake Forest weather likes to move in stages. We start with those light showers, then as the northwest wind picks up to around 10 mph, things get slushy.
Why Our Hourly Forecast Is So Moody
Wake Forest sits in this specific spot in the Piedmont where we get the "wedge" effect. You've got cold air trapped against the mountains to the west, and when moisture flows in from the coast, we get this messy, freezing rain/snow/sleet cocktail. It's why the wake forest nc weather hourly can look like four different seasons in a single twelve-hour window.
The UV index today is basically non-existent (hitting a 1 at most), so don't expect the sun to melt anything off the roads until tomorrow. If you see "clear" in the forecast for tonight, remember that just means the heat is going to escape into space even faster.
Practical Survival for the Next 24 Hours
Look, if you're living here, you know the drill. But for the weekend warriors or anyone new to town, here is how you actually handle this specific hourly trend.
Forget the umbrella for the afternoon. With 10 mph gusts and a rain-snow mix, it’ll just be a wet mess. Switch to a water-resistant shell with a warm layer underneath. Since we have a 100% chance of snow in the daily forecast, keep an eye on those non-paved surfaces. The ground is still relatively warm from earlier in the week, so sticking might be minimal on the roads, but the grass is going to look like a winter wonderland for a few hours.
What to Watch Out For:
- The 5:00 PM Freeze: As the sun goes down (sunset is around 5:23 PM), any leftover moisture on the roads is going to turn into "black ice" territory as we hit that 26°F low.
- Humidity Levels: At 95% humidity, your car windows are going to fog up or frost over instantly. Give yourself an extra ten minutes in the morning.
- Wind Chill: It's staying breezy. That 9-10 mph northwest wind isn't a gale, but it’s enough to make 35°F feel like a freezer.
Tomorrow, Monday, looks a lot better with sunny skies and a high of 45°F, but we have to get through this slushy Sunday first. Honestly, it's a perfect day to stay inside at one of the local spots and just watch the flakes fall from a distance.
Next Steps for Wake Forest Residents:
Check your outdoor faucets tonight. With a low of 26°F and high humidity, that's prime territory for a quick freeze. If you're driving late, stick to the main roads like Business 98 or Main Street—the backroads in the Heritage or Forestville areas tend to hold onto ice a lot longer because of the tree cover. Stay dry, keep the northwest wind at your back, and wait for the sun to return tomorrow.