National Weather ServiceNorth CarolinaFreeze WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Freeze Warnings in North Carolina
The National Weather Service issued 15 freeze warnings for North Carolina in 2025 and 32 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 5th most of any state. 2026 through September: 10, 42% below the average of 17 for those months in 2008-2025. Northern Jackson was covered most often (74 times since 2008).
How many freeze warnings does North Carolina get?
Every freeze warning that covered part of North Carolina. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 10 |
| 2025 | 15 |
| 2024 | 19 |
| 2023 | 53 |
| 2022 | 35 |
| 2021 | 33 |
| 2020 | 33 |
| 2019 | 33 |
| 2018 | 36 |
| 2017 | 42 |
| 2016 | 46 |
| 2015 | 27 |
| 2014 | 34 |
| 2013 | 38 |
| 2012 | 26 |
| 2011 | 23 |
| 2010 | 30 |
| 2009 | 30 |
| 2008 | 31 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Jackson | 74 | 7 | November 1, 2025 |
| Clay | 74 | 13 | April 7, 2024 |
| Cherokee | 74 | 13 | April 7, 2024 |
| Haywood | 73 | 6 | October 24, 2025 |
| Lincoln | 71 | 13 | November 11, 2025 |
| Davie | 71 | 12 | November 11, 2025 |
| Swain | 70 | 6 | October 24, 2025 |
| Rowan | 70 | 12 | November 11, 2025 |
| Southern Jackson | 69 | 5 | November 1, 2025 |
| Macon | 69 | 7 | November 1, 2025 |
| Iredell | 68 | 12 | November 11, 2025 |
| Greater Caldwell | 68 | 12 | November 1, 2025 |
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 freeze warning?
A freeze warning means temperatures at or below 32°F are expected during the growing season, enough to kill crops and sensitive plants. Since 2024-2025 it also covers the colder nights that had a hard freeze warning of their own. A warning means the hazard is happening, about to happen, or very likely: act now to protect people and property. AreaZine's counts include the hard freeze warnings issued before the change. The national record · Every warning type in North Carolina.