Honestly, if you stepped outside in Clinton today, you probably felt that immediate slap of damp, cold air. It’s one of those North Carolina days where the sky just looks heavy. We aren't exactly dealing with a blizzard, but the weather forecast for clinton nc is definitely throwing a curveball at anyone who was hoping for a dry Sunday.
Right now, it’s about 36°F out there. But because of a 7 mph wind coming in from the northwest, it actually feels more like 30°F. If you're heading out to grab dinner or finishing up some late-night chores, you’ll notice the humidity is sitting at a staggering 97%. Basically, it's soup outside. The current conditions are cloudy and, frankly, pretty gloomy for mid-January.
The Breakdown: Rain Today, Snow Tonight?
We’ve had a high of 45°F today, which doesn't sound terrible until you factor in the 100% chance of rain we dealt with during the daylight hours. It was a washout. But here is where it gets interesting—and a little tricky for drivers.
As we transition into tonight, the temperature is expected to crater down to 27°F.
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While the sky is technically clear, there's a 35% chance of snow recorded for the nighttime period. Now, don't go looking for your sled just yet. In Sampson County, a 35% chance often means a few stray flakes or a light dusting that melts the second it hits the ground. However, with the humidity being so high (99% earlier today), the real concern isn't the snow itself—it's the leftover rain freezing on the roads.
Northwest winds are holding steady at about 9 mph. That’s enough to make the air bite.
What to Expect for the Rest of the Week
The weather forecast for clinton nc shows a pretty classic "see-saw" pattern for the next few days. If you’re a local, you’re used to this. One day you need a heavy parka, and three days later you're wondering if you can get away with a light windbreaker.
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Monday looks like it'll rebound slightly to 47°F with sunshine, and Tuesday will stay clear but cool at 42°F. It’s a dry stretch, which is a massive relief after today’s soaking.
Why the Humidity Matters Here
You might wonder why it feels so much colder in Clinton than the thermometer says. It's the moisture. When humidity levels hit 97% to 99%, the air is essentially saturated. In the summer, that makes you sweat. In January, that dampness clings to your clothes and pulls heat away from your body.
Basically, 36°F in a dry climate like Arizona feels like a brisk walk. 36°F in Clinton feels like it’s sinking into your bones.
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Looking Ahead: The Polar Vortex Factor
There’s been a lot of talk among meteorologists about the Polar Vortex weakening as we move deeper into January 2026. What does that mean for us in Sampson County? It means these little dips into the 20s might become more frequent. While Clinton usually stays milder than the mountains or the Piedmont, we are currently in the coldest part of the year.
Historically, late January is when we see our lowest averages—usually around 35°F for a low. We are right on track with that tonight.
Survival Tips for the Next 24 Hours
Since we are looking at a low of 27°F tonight after a day of heavy rain, here’s the smart move:
- Watch the black ice. Any puddles on secondary roads or bridges will likely be frozen by 5:00 AM tomorrow.
- Check the pipes. It’s not a "deep freeze" (usually under 20°F for several hours), but if you have exposed outdoor spigots, it doesn't hurt to cover them.
- Pets inside. 27°F is too cold for most outdoor animals to be comfortable without serious bedding or heat.
The weather forecast for clinton nc is finally drying out, but the cold is just getting started. Keep the heavy coat by the door. You’re going to need it when you head out tomorrow morning.
Actionable Insight: Check your tire pressure tonight or tomorrow morning. Dramatic drops in temperature—like the 18-degree slide we're seeing from today's high to tonight's low—often trigger that annoying "low pressure" light on your dashboard.