NC weather forecast: Arctic blast arrives, feels like temps to drop below 0

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- A blast of arctic cold and gusty wind are finally upon central North Carolina.

Temperatures were near 50 degrees at 5 a.m. Friday with some patchy drizzle and fog lingering around the region, but a cold front is now pushing through and bring bone-chilling temperatures.

Live updates on current weather conditions

Temperatures dropped 12 degrees in Raleigh from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., and it's not over yet.

In addition to the cold temperatures, dangerous wind gusts are expected throughout the day. The wind gusts could reach up to 50 mile per hour, which is why the risk for power outages is higher than usual today.

Sleet seen falling in central NC on Friday morning

A wind and wind chill advisory is in effect for the entire region. Between 8 - 10 a.m. the wind chill will drop from the 40s into the teens. Then by mid-afternoon, it will continue to drop down into the single digits. Finally -- and unbelievably -- by Friday night the wind chill will make it feel like it is below 0 degrees outside.

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These unusually cold temperatures will hang around through the weekend. Temperatures will not rise above 30 on Christmas Eve. Sunday brings slightly warmer weather, but still temps will not rise above the mid 30s.

Next week highs remain in the 40s, but next weekend will bring temps back into the 50s and the start of 2023 could see highs into the 60s.

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With temperatures set to hit the teens this weekend, now is the time to take proactive measures to winterize your home and car.