Near-Record Warmth in January: How Unusual Is This for Rowan, Davie & Davidson Counties?

If it feels more like March than January across Rowan, Davie, and Davidson Counties, you’re not imagining it.

Afternoon temperatures are pushing into the upper 60s and low 70s this week — levels that are well above normal for early January and flirting with near-record warmth in parts of central North Carolina.

How Warm Is “Normal” for Early January?

Typically, highs this time of year average in the upper 40s to low 50s, with overnight lows dipping into the upper 20s to low 30s.

This week’s temperatures are running 15 to 25 degrees above average, which puts them firmly in the unusual category — though not unprecedented.

Why Is It So Warm Right Now?

The warmth is being driven by a persistent southwest flow, pulling mild air northward from the Gulf region. That setup is doing a few important things:

• Limiting cold air intrusions

• Preventing Arctic air from settling in

• Allowing daytime sunshine to boost temperatures efficiently

Even weak cold fronts moving through this week are doing little more than shifting winds — not delivering true winter air.

How Rare Is This?

January warm spells like this do happen, but they usually don’t last long.

• One or two days near 70°: Uncommon but not rare

• Multiple days well above average: Notable

• Near-record highs: Attention-getting, but still within historical patterns

In other words, this isn’t something Rowan, Davie, or Davidson Counties see every winter — but it’s also not without precedent.

What Happens Next?

Warm spells in January often end the same way: with rain and a cold front.

That’s exactly what the forecast is showing:

• Rain chances increase Friday into Saturday

• A stronger cold front moves through this weekend

• Cooler, more seasonable air returns Sunday and early next week

Highs by Sunday drop back into the low 50s, with overnight lows falling into the 20s — a sharp but typical winter correction.

The Bottom Line

This week’s warmth is eye-catching, especially for January, but it’s a temporary pattern.

Enjoy the mild afternoons while they last — winter isn’t finished yet.