It might be time to pull out the long johns and turn up the heat as the area braces for a bitter cold snap this week.

North Carolina is known for its mild winter temperatures but this week the state will be getting a taste of winter as high temperatures in Richmond County and elsewhere get down to the mid 30s and 40s.

The National Weather Service is calling for sunshine today with a high near 47 with tonight’s low around 25. The rest of the week looks similar, with a chance of rain Wednesday night, early Thursday.

New Year’s Eve is forecasted to be mostly cloudy with a low around 34, and New Year’s Day looks pretty much the same.

But the National Weather Service says a cold front is expected to cross the area Friday night leaving the area with highs in the 30s and lows in the teens for the weekend.

This will be the coldest spell of the season so far, according to forecasters.

The National Weather Service is calling for a colder January than usual because of below average temperatures in coastal waters.

These colder temperatures are being perpetuated by the El Nino event in the Pacific, and will result in the southeast experiencing colder temperatures January through March.

Staff writer Eren Tataragasi can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ext. 19 or at etataragasi@yourdailyjournal.com.