Chick Jacobs
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The weather source in the N.C. Sandhills for #Weatherhounds everywhere. If cancer's gonna kill me, it'll have to try harder #FightLikeHell True son of Clemson.
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Articles by Chick Jacobs
Isaias is hundreds of miles away. Fayetteville may still get soaked
It took until October, and several false starts, but 2026 has produced its first hurricane. Isaias is guaranteed to reach the central Gulf Coast by the weekend, moving quickly inland in the Deep South. The storm itself won't come anywhere near the Cape Fear region, but we'll feel some of its effects later this weekend. Here's the setup At midday Thursday, Isaias was a Category 1 hurricane with top winds of about 85 mph.
Isaias is hundreds of miles away. Fayetteville may still get soaked
Isaias is hundreds of miles away. Fayetteville may still get soaked Oct. 8, 2026, 3:21 p.m. ET It took until October, and several false starts, but 2026 has produced its first hurricane. Isaias is guaranteed to reach the central Gulf Coast by the weekend, moving quickly inland in the Deep South. The storm itself won't come anywhere near the Cape Fear region, but we'll feel some of its effects later this weekend.
Fayetteville weather takes a turn after brief heat surge
I said Fayetteville might see another day in the 90s before things cooled down. Looks like that day is coming up. The Cape Fear region will see a brief but impressive October warm-up leading into a soggy weekend. After that, much cooler air arrives, driving morning temperatures into the 40s. Here's the setup Warm high pressure currently sitting east of the Carolinas will slide east, settling off the coast. The return flow will briefly boost temperatures and moisture over the region.
The first real hint of fall arrives this weekend in Fayetteville
Pack up the flip-flops and break out the windbreakers. The season may have a couple of 90-degree days left in the tank, but generally, it's safe to say summer's gone. Shifting patterns aloft will continue to bounce us between cool weather (temperatures may dip below 50 this weekend) and the upper 80s next week. It's all part of the atmosphere getting ready for the big shift toward fall. Meanwhile, the topics are beginning to settle as well — not like they were ever especially active this year.
The first real hint of fall arrives this weekend in Fayetteville
Pack up the flip-flops and break out the windbreakers. The season may have a couple of 90-degree days left in the tank, but generally, it's safe to say summer's gone. Shifting patterns aloft will continue to bounce us between cool weather (temperatures may dip below 50 this weekend) and the upper 80s next week. It's all part of the atmosphere getting ready for the big shift toward fall. Meanwhile, the topics are beginning to settle as well — not like they were ever especially active this year.
Fayetteville weather takes a turn after brief heat surge Original
The Cape Fear region will experience a brief warm-up with temperatures potentially reaching 90 degrees. A slow-moving cold front is expected to bring a soaking rain to the area over the weekend. Following the weekend rain, much cooler air will arrive, with morning temperatures dropping into the 40s next week. I said Fayetteville might see another day in the 90s before things cooled down. Looks like that day is coming up.
Fayetteville's hottest summer has one more punch to throw
The hottest summer the Cape Fear region has endured in years comes to a close next week. Certainly, the season that brought Fayetteville 10 days of triple-digit heat is behind us. But first, there's at least one more surge of heat on the way. We'll see the mid-90s in Fayetteville before an approaching cold front drops things to more seasonal levels. Meanwhile, the tropics remain curiously quiet. There's a lot of pent-up energy remaining, and it will have to go somewhere.
Fayetteville's hottest summer has one more punch to throw
The hottest summer the Cape Fear region has endured in years comes to a close next week. Certainly, the season that brought Fayetteville 10 days of triple-digit heat is behind us. But first, there's at least one more surge of heat on the way. We'll see the mid-90s in Fayetteville before an approaching cold front drops things to more seasonal levels. Meanwhile, the tropics remain curiously quiet. There's a lot of pent-up energy remaining, and it will have to go somewhere.
Summer heat isn't done with Fayetteville just yet Original
Summer will stubbornly hang on across the Cape Fear region for a bit longer. Despite a potentially wet weekend, Fayetteville can look for temperatures to climb back into the low 90s early next week. Meanwhile, the peak of hurricane season looks anything but peaky. All is quiet in the Atlantic. Here's the setup High pressure continues to hold over the Southeast, giving the region increasingly warm days and near-zero chances of rainfall.
Summer heat isn't done with Fayetteville just yet
Summer will stubbornly hang on across the Cape Fear region for a bit longer. Despite a potentially wet weekend, Fayetteville can look for temperatures to climb back into the low 90s early next week. Meanwhile, the peak of hurricane season looks anything but peaky. All is quiet in the Atlantic. High pressure continues to hold over the Southeast, giving the region increasingly warm days and near-zero chances of rainfall.
Weather Permitting: 30 years later, Fran's fury echoes in Fayetteville
Hurricane Fran struck the Cape Fear region in September 1996, bringing hurricane-force winds to Fayetteville. The storm's powerful winds, rather than rain, caused widespread devastation by uprooting and destroying countless trees. Fran resulted in more than two dozen deaths in North Carolina and caused damages equivalent to nearly $4 billion today. Power outages lasted for weeks in some areas, and many roads remained blocked by trees and debris long after the storm passed.
September starts hot as temperatures soar across Fayetteville region
By late August, we're supposed to be quietly closing the door on summer heat. This year, summer keeps kicking the door open. A late-season surge of mid- to upper 90s next week will blanket the Cape Fear region as September arrives, with Fayetteville bearing the brunt. Before that, the region will see widespread showers, some strong into the weekend. Meanwhile, the tropics are showing signs of life, despite unfriendly conditions.
Here's why weather forecasters are watching Fayetteville's PWAT levels
We haven't talked about PWAT levels much this summer. There's a good reason: as dry as it's been, there hasn't been much to talk about. But PWAT, or Precipitable Water, should play a large part in this weekend's forecast for the Cape Fear region. Late Friday into Saturday, especially, it could feed locally heavy showers. That's the reason the season-opening prep football games across the region were all pushed up a day. Nobody likes sitting in the stands during a deluge.
Weather Permitting: The dog days of summer are upon us
Hot and humid weather returns to the Cape Fear region with temperatures expected to reach triple digits. A brief cool down is expected Saturday before temperatures climb back into the upper 90s on Sunday. Next week will remain hot, with Monday's heat index potentially reaching 110-112 degrees in some areas. Tropical systems are developing but are unlikely to become a threat to the Southeast due to strong shear. You didn't really think summer was finished with us, did you?
Sun returns to Fayetteville as rain ends, summer heat ramps up
Sun returns to Fayetteville as rain ends, summer heat ramps up Chick Jacobs | Correspondent For the first time this month, the Cape Fear region woke up to sunny skies. Days of rainfall have rejuvenated yards, eased water restrictions and brought clouds of mosquitoes to the region. Now we can look forward to a stretch of warm, drier weather with scattered afternoon showers: In other words, a typical August outlook for Fayetteville.
Rainfall brings drought relief to Fayetteville area, more showers ahead
Recent rainfall has rejuvenated the Cape Fear region and put a serious dent in our ongoing drought. With more rain on the way, look for further improvements in the shortfall. As it is, the Cape Fear region has already seen substantial improvement for crops like tobacco, cotton and soybeans. With a couple of pleasant summer days to close out July, we'll be looking at even more rainfall to start August. Here's the setup High pressure is slowly moving across the Southeast for the next couple of days.
Rainfall brings drought relief to Fayetteville area, more showers ahead
Recent rainfall has rejuvenated the Cape Fear region and put a serious dent in our ongoing drought. With more rain on the way, look for further improvements in the shortfall. As it is, the Cape Fear region has already seen substantial improvement for crops like tobacco, cotton and soybeans.
Weather Permitting: Heavy rain could deliver biggest drought relief in a year
It won't erase the drought. But copious rainfall across the Cape Fear region will certainly put a dent in the deficit. Fayetteville and the Cape Fear region dodged the deluge that walloped Greensboro and the Piedmont, where up to 7 inches of rain had already fallen by Thursday afternoon. Totals in our neck of the woods could easily top 3 inches by the time the rain moves offshore.
Weekend heat dome brings haze, storm chances to Fayetteville
Hot, steamy with just a hint of smoke — a recipe for summer in the Cape Fear region. Fayetteville will simmer under hot, stagnant air this weekend, with the addition of smoke from Canadian wildfires adding some color to sunsets. Temperatures will flirt with 100 degrees again, and the heat index could climb to hazardous levels for people with breathing issues. Basically a good weekend to hug the air conditioner with one hand and a cool drink with the other.
Cold front could bring Fayetteville its first sub‑90 day in weeks
Cold front could bring Fayetteville its first sub‑90 day in weeks Chick Jacobs | Correspondent Show Caption Hide Caption See what a 'super' El Niño could bring USA TODAY Network reporter Brandi D. Addison breaks down what a strong El Niño could mean for weather patterns across the country. The Big Heat continues for Fayetteville and the Cape Fear region. Since summer officially began, the city has only seen one day where temperatures stayed below normal.
Cold front could bring Fayetteville its first sub‑90 day in weeks
Cold front could bring Fayetteville its first sub‑90 day in weeks The Big Heat continues for Fayetteville and the Cape Fear region. Since summer officially began, the city has only seen one day where temperatures stayed below normal. Last week's four-day stretch above 100 degrees was the hottest start to July in this century, and it surpassed the region's last major early July heat wave in 1993. Rainfall was scarce that summer as well, but the region wasn't as dry as it is this year.
Record heat could bring Fayetteville’s first triple-digit July Fourth Original
Hot as a firecracker? Not Fayetteville — until now. A weather oddity of the Cape Fear region is that Fayetteville has NEVER seen a July 4 that topped 100 degrees. It's the only July day that we've never reached triple digits. Until, most likely, this weekend. Barring some weather shenanigans, the entire Cape Fear region will bake with record heat through the weekend.
Heat dome setup sends Fayetteville temps toward 100 next week
July in the Cape Fear region is no place for wimps. Temperatures will continue to climb as two mini- heat domes merge over the Southeast, creating stifling conditions for the Carolinas. This pattern is expected to linger into early July, perhaps beyond. Here's the setup A pair of subtropical high-pressure mounds, one to the west and the other to the east, will join forces over the weekend. They should center and build into next week, creating stifling conditions.
Will Arthur end the drought? What to expect in Fayetteville
The Cape Fear region is experiencing a drought and needs tropical rainfall to recover. Remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur will bring some rain, but not enough to alleviate drought conditions. The weekend forecast shows clearing skies and warmer temperatures after the storm system passes. As the ongoing drought drags into the summer, it's become clear that the Cape Fear region will need tropical rainfall to catch back up. The remnants of Arthur won't cut it — at least, not for our neck of the woods.
Weather Permitting: Will the Fayetteville-area see weekend temps reach 100?
The Cape Fear region is expecting its first 100-degree day of the year this weekend. A heat advisory has been issued, with the heat index predicted to rise well above 100 degrees. Residents are advised to take precautions, especially for children, the elderly, and pets. Slightly cooler temperatures and a higher chance of rain are forecasted for later next week. One hundred-degree days in June aren't all that unusual for the Cape Fear region. It doesn't make things any less unpleasant, however.
Weather Permitting: Will the Fayetteville-area see weekend temps reach 100?
One hundred-degree days in June aren't all that unusual for the Cape Fear region. It doesn't make things any less unpleasant, however. With the region's first foray into triple-digit heat this year, the danger of heat-related illness arrives as well. Remember to take it easy this weekend, and take care to keep young children, the elderly and pets cool. And for goodness sakes, remember to check your vehicle for forgotten passengers.
Hot, dry weekend hits Fayetteville area with mid-90s highs
The Cape Fear region will experience a hot and dry weekend with temperatures reaching the mid-90s. Early next week may see slightly cooler temperatures and a chance for afternoon showers. Tropical activity is present in the Caribbean, but it is not expected to become a threat at this time. Summer returns to the Cape Fear region this weekend, with temperatures in Fayetteville climbing into the mid-90s. It's going to be dry as well, with only sparse chances for scattered showers.
A week of rain brings Fayetteville back from the brink
This time last week, the lawn was crunchy, the corn was wilty and the trees were begging for dogs to come by and water them. What a difference a week makes! Widespread rain totals of 3 inches or more across the Cape Fear region have rejuvenated the landscape. We're still in a long-term drought and have quite a hole to dig out of, but at least the shoveling has begun. As June arrives, the region will see more scattered showers and temperatures a bit cool for this time of year.
Wet, muggy weekend on tap for Memorial Day weekend in Fayetteville area Original
A week of summer-like heat across the state will give way to a weekend of wetter weather, perhaps lingering into Memorial Day. Depending on timing and track of a slow-moving frontal boundary, portions of the Cape Fear region could see a couple of inches of rain. Temperatures will be lower early on, then climb into muggy territory as dew points rise. In short, it's really going to feel like summer in the Carolinas.
Weather Permitting: Hot, dry spell returns to Fayetteville next week Original
Remember how last week's rainfall was going to help with the Cape Fear region's long-term drought? Yeah, about that ... We were able to help ease the crop-withering, grass-crunching dry spell for a while. But as the Carolinas move into the last month of spring, another hot, dry spell is coming up. Temperatures will climb back into the 90s across the region and, aside from isolated afternoon showers across the south, things will turn decidedly drier.
Fayetteville sees welcome rain, but drought still lingers
The Cape Fear region is experiencing a slow, soaking rain which will help alleviate drought conditions. Friday will be sunny and cooler in Fayetteville, with highs around 70 degrees. The weekend forecast includes increased clouds, a chance of scattered showers, and highs near 80 degrees. We didn't end up in a severe drought overnight. We won't work our way out overnight, either.
This weekend, Fayetteville weather changes from dry to wet
March was one of the hottest, driest on record for Fayetteville. So, of course, we'll start May cool and wet. Doesn't make sense, does it? Actually, it does. Here's why: The Carolinas were trapped under a large, persistent high-pressure dome earlier this year. It pumped parched desert air into the region and suppressed any chances of rainfall. Instead of a normal spring, we saw temperatures a good 15-20 degrees above normal and dew points more in line for the desert Southwest.
Weather Permitting: Disaster declaration issued amid drought Original
The USDA has declared 82 counties in North Carolina as natural disaster areas due to severe drought. This designation allows farmers to access federal loans and credits to offset agricultural losses. A lack of tropical storm activity and a winter La Niña pattern contributed to the dry conditions. The region is experiencing one of its driest periods in 20 years, with some areas in extreme drought. We knew the drought in the Carolinas was bad. Now, it's officially a disaster.
Weather Permitting: Brief cooldown coming to Fayetteville-area this weekend Original
A strong cold front will bring a brief break from summer-like temperatures to the Cape Fear region. The incoming front is not expected to bring significant rainfall to the drought-stricken area. Saturday is predicted to be the hottest day of the week, with temperatures possibly reaching a record 93 degrees. By early next week, daytime highs are expected to drop into the 70s with overnight lows in the 40s. The Cape Fear region will see a notable — if brief — break from summer-like temperatures.
Fayetteville area to get much-needed rain this weekend
Over the past couple of weeks, the Cape Fear region has seen weekends of ice and snow. This weekend, it's rain. And much-needed rain. The entire state of North Carolina remains locked in a lingering drought. For the first time in years, a small swath of extreme drought has shown up, while the region remains in severe drought. This weekend's rain won't break the drought, but it will give the state a breather. Afterward, look for another stretch of mild weather.
Will it snow in Fayetteville, and how much? Here's the latest forecast
I'll answer the obvious question first: Yes, it's going to snow. Less obvious is the second question: How much? When it comes to winter weather, the Cape Fear region has more snow-stealing villains than any Batman episode. Last week, it was Warm Nose turning everythinginto an icy mess. This weekend, Snowhounds are carefully watching for Dry Slot. Lost in all the hoopla about potentially the biggest Fayetteville snowfall in a decade is the bitter cold that will come with it.
Here's your Fayetteville-area New Year's weather forecast
The Cape Fear region will say farewell to 2025 with a stretch of near-normal conditions. But there's no getting around it: 2025 was a dry year for Fayetteville. We had less than 40 inches of rainfall in the city, well below the 30-year average. The last time the city was at a normal rainfall total was mid-August. The new year looks like it might start a little bit wetter, but at least any outdoor celebrations will be dry tonight. Looking for a celebration?
Weather Permitting: Here's the Christmas forecast for the Fayetteville area
Warmer than Thanksgiving.Warmer than Halloween. Christmas in the Cape Fear region this year will see Santa swap his heavy red suit for shirt sleeves as Fayetteville will see temperatures in the 70s. There's colder weather on the way, but only after Santa's safely back at the North Pole. A mild zonal flow across the Carolinas should guarantee pleasant conditions for holiday travel. We can't do a thing about the I-95 traffic, but at least the weather will be nice.
Pleasant weather expected for last weekend of Fayetteville Christmas shopping
A quick round of rainfall will give way to a pleasant weekend for last-minute shoppers in the Cape Fear region. Christmas is looking a bit warm. Modeling has backed off from the holiday blowtorch idea, but Fayetteville can still expect temperatures a bit warmer than normal as we approach the holiday. At least, for the time being, it appears that the Carolinas will have dry, pleasant travel conditions as Christmas approaches.
Weather Permitting: Here's the Thanksgiving outlook for the Fayetteville area
The Cape Fear region will enjoy a pleasant weekend, with slightly cooler conditions for Thanksgiving travel. But will we see any decent rainfall? So far this November, Fayetteville has picked up a quarter-inch of rain — about 15% of the monthly average — and there's not much to indicate the region will see much more until after Thanksgiving. As a result, only isolated patches of North Carolina have received normal rainfall since October.
Weather Permitting: Will would-be Imelda affect Fayetteville? Here's what we know so far
The Cape Fear region should see an end to our recent drought soon — and then some. A slow-moving front this weekend and the potential for a landfalling tropical system will bring rainfall — sometimes heavy — to much of the Carolinas. In the worst-case projections, several inches of rain would accompany a blossoming system moving ashore early next week. That may not happen. But it's a good time to dust off the family hurricane plans, just in case. There's a lot to unpack in this weekend's forecast.
Weather Permitting: Here's what to expect in Fayetteville the last weekend of summer
The Cape Fear region is experiencing drought conditions due to sparse rainfall over the past month. High pressure will bring warm, dry and sunny weather to the Carolinas, with Fayetteville approaching 90 degrees. The Atlantic tropics are becoming more active, with Gabrielle expected to become a hurricane and another system potentially forming. The Cape Fear region will close the summer with another push at 90 degrees. Fayetteville is looking warm and dry — a bit too dry, in fact.
Weather Permitting: Is another 90-degree stretch in store for the Cape Fear region?
There may be another 90-degree stretch in store for the Cape Fear region. If so, it will need to hurry. As the last full week of summer approaches, conditions will remain pleasant, if occasionally cloudy, across the region. Fayetteville will see generally sunny skies, with some scattered clouds, and temperatures in the mid-to-upper 80s through the weekend. Things will get warmer early next week, but remember — we're still in summer.
Weather Permitting: Fayetteville region in for whiplash with this weekend's forecast
If you thought summer was finished with the Cape Fear region — think again. Fayetteville will see its hottest temperatures since July this weekend before another shot of cooler air returns. There's also a chance of scattered showers. Meanwhile, the tropics are shaking off a monthlong slumber, and things may get interesting next week. Here's the setup After a delightful Labor Day weekend, look for much warmer air to filter back into the Carolinas.
Weather Permitting: After surprisingly mild August, what can Fayetteville expect next month?
The Cape Fear region closes out the month of August with another run at 90 degrees. Usually, that's not surprising — but this August has been anything but "usual." Fayetteville has seen only four days this month when temperatures climbed above 90 degrees. That's the fewest in the past quarter-century, and one of the coolest Augusts on record. In addition, the hottest we got was 92 degrees. I'm still digging in the records to find an August here that didn't top 92.
Weather Permitting: What to expect in Fayetteville as Hurricane Erin moves away
Show Caption Hide Caption What's coming next after Erin? Tropical Storm Fernand may form at the same time that Hurricane Erin begins to head away from the East Coast. As Hurricane Erin follows its well-predicted path away from the Carolinas, the Cape Fear region can breathe a sigh of relief. We can also enjoy a surprisingly pleasant late August weekend, with even cooler days on the horizon.
Weather Permitting: Sunnier days on tap for Fayetteville, plus at look at Tropical Storm Erin
Fayetteville is predicted to have a sunny weekend after a week of rain. Friday will be hot and humid, with a high near 90, followed by a drier weekend with highs in the upper 80s. Tropical Storm Erin is expected to strengthen over the weekend and its path is uncertain, but current models suggest it will turn north before reaching the Southeast coast. I'm calling it right now — Fayetteville will finally see a sunny weekend.
Weather Permitting: It's not just you — Fayetteville experiencing unseasonably cool temps
Unusually cool temperatures have persisted in the Cape Fear region in early August, with highs in the 60s and 70s. A cool-air damming scenario is responsible for the cooler weather, which is expected to last through the weekend. Temperatures are forecast to return to the low 90s, closer to normal for this time of year, by next week. Early August has been anything but normal for the Cape Fear region. Fayetteville hasn't seen a day that reached 90 degrees yet.
Weather Permitting: After a miserable July in Fayetteville, is relief on the way?
The Cape Fear region will finally get a break from oppressive summer heat this weekend. Cooler air and some heavy downpours will help wash away memories of a miserably hot July. The daytime July heat this past month wasn't really too far from what is expected in Fayetteville. We averaged about 93 degrees for a high, a bit more than normal. The misery came in overnight lows — rather, the lack of them.
Weather Permitting: Dangerous heat on the way for Fayetteville area
Dangerous heat is expected to return to the Cape Fear region this weekend, with Fayetteville potentially reaching 100 degrees. Infants, the elderly and those with chronic health issues are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat and should take precautions. The high temperatures are expected to persist through mid-week. The brief break in the Cape Fear region's sweltering summer was just that — brief.
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