Bitter March: Cold and blustery winds stay put in NC

While millions in the Northeast deal with a massive winter storm that could dump up to 20 inches of snow in some places, central and eastern North Carolina started Tuesday cold and wet.

Posted 11:15 a.m. Mar 14, 2017 — Updated 6:04 p.m. Jul 13, 2018

RALEIGH, N.C. — While millions in the Northeast deal with a massive winter storm that could dump up to 20 inches of snow in some places, central and eastern North Carolina Tuesday remains cold and wet.

"We expect the temperatures to tumble Tuesday night," said WRAL meteorologist Mike Maze. "We anticipate the temperatures to fall into the 20s by midnight tonight."

'You're definitely going to need the heat, definitely going to need the coat, definitely going to need the beanies and the gloves to keep you warm."

Blustery and cold winds with highs in the upper 30s to low 40s will keep coats on and thermostats up around North Carolina.

Overnight lows will be in the mid-20s late Tuesday into Wednesday, and midweek high temperatures will be in the low 40s.

"Our wind chill temperatures will be in the teens and 20s on Wednesday thanks to a stiff breeze," said WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner said. "It's an arctic blast, for sure."

"There is a potential for wind chill to be in the single digits to start the day tomorrow," Maze said. "Tomorrow will stay mighty cold all day. 33 at noon. 39 at 4 p.m. This is the coldest afternoon high since the beginning of January."

Sunshine will push highs into the upper 40s on Thursday and then into the 50s and low 60s by the weekend.

"As the Nor'easter continues, all the cold air from Canada is going to be pulled down and will stay for the next few nights. By Friday, Saturday temperatures will rebound," Maze said.