North Carolina Hazard Mitigation Plan Resource Page
North Carolina State Climate Summary
North Carolina has a humid climate with very warm summers and moderately cold winters. Its climate exhibits substantial regional variation due to its diverse geographic elements, including the Appalachian Mountains in the west, the Piedmont plateau in the central region, and the Coastal Plain to the east. Elevations range from sea level along the Atlantic coast to more than 6,000 feet in the western mountains (the largest elevation range of any state east of the Mississippi River). Annual average (1991–2020 normals) temperatures vary more than 20°F from the highest elevations to the lowest points on the coast. Winter temperatures are moderated somewhat by the Appalachian Mountains, which partially block cold air coming from the Midwest.
Key Points:
- Temperatures in North Carolina have risen more than 1°F since the beginning of the 20th century. Under a higher emissions pathway, historically unprecedented warming is projected during this century.
- The number of landfalling hurricanes in North Carolina is highly variable from year to year. Hurricane-associated storm intensity and rainfall rates are projected to increase as the climate warms.
- Global sea level is projected to rise, with a likely range of 1–4 feet by 2100. A large portion of North Carolina’s coastline is extremely vulnerable to projected sea level rise due to its low elevation and subsidence (sinking) of land in the northern Coastal Plain.
From Frankson et al. (2022). Click here for the full report.
| High Temperature | Low Temperature | 24-hour Precipitation | 24-Hour Snowfall | 24-Hour Snow Depth | Tornadoes | Wettest Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 110°F August 21, 1983 Fayetteville |
-34°F January 21, 1985 Mt. Mitchell |
22.22 in. July 15-16, 1916 Altapass |
36 in. March 13, 1993 Mt. Mitchell |
50 in. March 14, 1993; March 3, 1942; March 4, 1942; March 5, 1942; March 6, 1942 (Mt. Mitchell) |
31 | 2018, 68.35 in. |
Temperature, precipitation, and snowfall records obtained from NOAA/NCEI’s State Climate Extremes Committee. Tornado information obtained from NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center (average annual number of tornadoes from 1995-2024). Wettest year obtained from NOAA/NCEI’s Climate at Glance product.
Table last updated September 28, 2025.
North Carolina Resource Links
Have questions about these resources, or looking for something else? Contact the North Carolina State Climate Office.