National Weather ServiceNorth CarolinaFreeze WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Freeze Watches in North Carolina
The National Weather Service issued 13 freeze watches for North Carolina in 2025 and 19 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 5th most of any state. 2026 through September: 5, 52% below the average of 10 for those months in 2008-2025. Davie was covered most often (49 times since 2008).
How many freeze watches does North Carolina get?
Every freeze watch that covered part of North Carolina. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 5 |
| 2025 | 13 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2023 | 40 |
| 2022 | 16 |
| 2021 | 22 |
| 2020 | 19 |
| 2019 | 13 |
| 2018 | 16 |
| 2017 | 22 |
| 2016 | 36 |
| 2015 | 18 |
| 2014 | 24 |
| 2013 | 22 |
| 2012 | 14 |
| 2011 | 16 |
| 2010 | 12 |
| 2009 | 14 |
| 2008 | 12 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davie | 49 | 9 | November 11, 2025 |
| Lincoln | 48 | 11 | November 11, 2025 |
| Greater Rutherford | 48 | 10 | November 11, 2025 |
| Eastern McDowell | 48 | 11 | November 11, 2025 |
| Cleveland | 48 | 10 | November 11, 2025 |
| Greater Burke | 47 | 10 | November 11, 2025 |
| Eastern Polk | 47 | 10 | November 11, 2025 |
| Rowan | 46 | 9 | November 11, 2025 |
| Iredell | 46 | 9 | November 11, 2025 |
| Greater Caldwell | 45 | 9 | November 1, 2025 |
| Catawba | 45 | 10 | November 11, 2025 |
| Alexander | 45 | 9 | 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 watch?
A freeze watch means temperatures at or below 32°F are possible during the growing season. A watch means the conditions for the hazard are possible or favourable, but it is not yet happening: be ready to act if a warning follows. AreaZine's counts include the hard freeze watches issued before the change. The national record · Every warning type in North Carolina.