Source: Corey Davis, NC CLIMATE OFFICE, 3/3/21


The jet stream pattern in February brought plenty of precipitation and some colder air into North Carolina, but that did not materialize into much snow across the state.

A Soaked February
The shortest month of the year was packed with plenty of precipitation. The National Centers for Environmental Information reports a preliminary statewide average precipitation of 5.69 inches, which ranks as our 17th-wettest February since 1895.

With the prevailing atmospheric storm track cutting across North Carolina for most of the month, a number of cold fronts and low pressure systems moved through and fueled at-times unrelenting rainfall, especially across eastern North Carolina.

Monthly totals of more than 7 inches were common, with the highest amounts along the central coast. Williamston reported 10.36 inches for its wettest February since 1931, and Bayboro had 8.08 inches and its wettest February since 1969.

It also ranked as the 2nd-wettest February on record at sites such as Washington (8.09 inches), Kinston (8.06 inches), and Raleigh (6.17 inches).

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