Raleigh, North Carolina – Summer in central North Carolina kicks off with a volatile stretch of weather, as thunderstorms packing hail and damaging winds loom Sunday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, scattered storms are expected to develop after 4 p.m. Sunday, June 1, across Wake, Durham, Johnston, and surrounding counties. Gusts may reach 28 mph, with locally damaging winds and small hail possible. The most intense cells are likely along the I-40 and US-1 corridors.
While Sunday morning will start mostly sunny and calm, residents should stay weather-aware by midday. Outdoor plans may need adjusting, especially near parks and open spaces in Raleigh, Cary, and Garner. Rainfall amounts are expected to remain light—under one-tenth of an inch—though heavier pockets are possible in thunderstorms.
Storm chances continue each afternoon through Thursday, with Monday and Tuesday likely bringing clearer skies but still warm, summer-like highs in the low 80s. Wednesday and Thursday will see increasing humidity and heat, with highs near 90 by midweek.
No spotter activation is expected at this time, but officials recommend securing outdoor furniture, charging devices, and reviewing power outage protocols. Wildfire smoke from Canada may also reduce visibility or aggravate respiratory conditions in sensitive groups through Tuesday.
Five-Day Summer Weather Preview:
- Sunday (June 1): Sunny early, scattered storms after 4 p.m., high 80°F
- Monday: Sunny and calmer, high near 81°F
- Tuesday: Clear and warm, high near 86°F
- Wednesday: Mostly clear, high near 90°F
- Thursday: Slight storm chance, hot and humid, high near 91°F
