National Weather ServiceNorth CarolinaCold Weather AdvisoryArchive to October 1, 2026
Cold Weather Advisories in North Carolina
The National Weather Service issued 44 cold weather advisories for North Carolina in 2025 and 13 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 17th most of any state. 2026 through September: 41, 290% above the average of 11 for those months in 2008-2025. Watauga was covered most often (77 times since 2008).
How many cold weather advisories does North Carolina get?
Every cold weather advisory that covered part of North Carolina. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 41 |
| 2025 | 44 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2022 | 16 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2020 | 4 |
| 2019 | 8 |
| 2018 | 28 |
| 2017 | 12 |
| 2016 | 10 |
| 2015 | 23 |
| 2014 | 27 |
| 2013 | 4 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2011 | 3 |
| 2010 | 22 |
| 2009 | 11 |
| 2008 | 8 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does North Carolina get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in North Carolina?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watauga | 77 | 14 | February 7, 2026 |
| Ashe | 77 | 14 | February 7, 2026 |
| Avery | 74 | 15 | February 7, 2026 |
| Yancey | 72 | 15 | February 7, 2026 |
| Mitchell | 72 | 15 | February 7, 2026 |
| Alleghany | 71 | 12 | February 7, 2026 |
| Madison | 61 | 11 | February 7, 2026 |
| Haywood | 61 | 11 | February 7, 2026 |
| Swain | 60 | 11 | February 7, 2026 |
| Northern Jackson | 59 | 11 | February 7, 2026 |
| Buncombe | 59 | 10 | February 1, 2026 |
| Graham | 55 | 10 | January 26, 2026 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
What is a cold weather advisory?
A cold weather advisory means cold temperatures or wind chills that can be dangerous to people without shelter. It replaced the wind chill advisory in 2024-2025. An advisory is issued for a hazard less serious than a warning that can still cause inconvenience or danger if people are not careful. AreaZine's counts include the wind chill advisories issued before the change. The national record · Every warning type in North Carolina.