Just over a month before the official start of spring, here’s what weather forecasters are predicting for NC.
As we head into February, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s long range spring weather forecast becomes more and more relevant.
Recent coverage from the Asheville Citizen Times analyzed long-range weather predictions from the Old Farmer’s Almanac in North Carolina. Historically, NOAA’s predictions tend to differ from the almanac’s due to varying forecasting methods.
While the almanac uses solar science, climatology and meteorology to make its seasonal forecasts, NOAA’s forecasts are all hard science, with an assigned team of scientists reviewing observations using technology such as radar, satellite and data from the organization’s instruments.
Just over a month before the official start of spring, here’s what the NOAA is predicting for North Carolina and how its predictions align with those made by the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
Will it be a rainy spring in NC in 2026? NOAA long-range precipitation forecast
The NOAA seasonal precipitation outlook for North Carolina places much of the western and northern region of the state in the near-normal range for spring precipitation. Predictions for the southeastern region of the state are slightly different, with a 33-40% chance of below-normal precipitation expected.
Will it be a warm spring in NC in 2026? NOAA long range temperature forecast
With the exception of a small area in the northwestern part of the state, NOAA predicts above-normal temperatures in North Carolina this spring with a 40-50% probability.
What does the Old Farmer’s Almanac predict for spring 2026?
Forecasts from the Old Farmer’s Almanac are made over 18 regions of the U.S. NC is split into two regions, with much of the state falling into Region 4, Southeast, while most of Western North Carolina falls into Region 3, Appalachians:
- Southeast region – April is expected to be drier than usual, while May is expected to be slightly wetter than usual. Temperatures are expected to be warmer-than-average.
- Appalachia region – Precipitation will range from below-normal in the north to above-normal in the south. Temperatures are expected to be slightly warmer-than-average.
What is the first day of spring 2026?
The spring equinox, which is also the first day of spring every year, falls on Friday, March 20, at 10:46 a.m. The date is also the astronomical beginning of the spring season in the Northern Hemisphere.
When do we ‘spring forward’ in 2026? When to change clocks
Daylight saving time starts at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 8. Clocks “spring forward” and reset to 3 a.m. Daylight savings time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1. Clocks fall back and reset to 1 a.m.
Reporting by Iris Seaton, Asheville Citizen Times / Asheville Citizen Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
