National Weather ServiceNorth CarolinaFrost AdvisoryArchive to October 1, 2026
Frost Advisories in North Carolina
The National Weather Service issued 26 frost advisories for North Carolina in 2025 and 33 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 6th most of any state. 2026 through September: 14, 8% below the average of 15 for those months in 2008-2025. Eastern McDowell was covered most often (74 times since 2008).
How many frost advisories does North Carolina get?
Every frost advisory that covered part of North Carolina. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 14 |
| 2025 | 26 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2023 | 34 |
| 2022 | 29 |
| 2021 | 32 |
| 2020 | 52 |
| 2019 | 33 |
| 2018 | 19 |
| 2017 | 26 |
| 2016 | 27 |
| 2015 | 33 |
| 2014 | 14 |
| 2013 | 31 |
| 2012 | 44 |
| 2011 | 36 |
| 2010 | 53 |
| 2009 | 36 |
| 2008 | 33 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern McDowell | 74 | 15 | May 3, 2026 |
| Greater Burke | 74 | 15 | May 3, 2026 |
| Macon | 74 | 13 | May 3, 2026 |
| Northern Jackson | 74 | 12 | May 3, 2026 |
| Southern Jackson | 74 | 14 | May 3, 2026 |
| Swain | 74 | 13 | May 3, 2026 |
| Cherokee | 73 | 9 | May 3, 2026 |
| Clay | 73 | 9 | May 3, 2026 |
| Graham | 72 | 13 | May 3, 2026 |
| Greater Caldwell | 72 | 15 | May 3, 2026 |
| Alamance | 70 | 20 | April 21, 2026 |
| Greater Rutherford | 70 | 11 | April 9, 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 frost advisory?
A frost advisory means frost is expected on clear, calm nights during the growing season, with temperatures a few degrees above freezing. An advisory is issued for a hazard less serious than a warning that can still cause inconvenience or danger if people are not careful. The national record · Every warning type in North Carolina.