Raleigh, NC – Isolated strong thunderstorms could develop Sunday afternoon across the Carolinas and southeast Virginia.
According to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center, a Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 5) for severe weather has been issued for central and eastern North Carolina, northeast South Carolina, and southeast Virginia through Sunday evening.
Forecasters say a cold front moving across the Southeast will interact with increasing humidity and warm temperatures during the afternoon hours. Dew points in the 60s combined with temperatures climbing into the upper 70s and low 80s could create enough instability for scattered thunderstorms to develop.
Atmospheric conditions are not expected to support widespread severe weather. However, the Storm Prediction Center says a few storms could briefly strengthen, especially along and ahead of the approaching front.
The main concern with any stronger storms will be locally strong wind gusts, produced by steep low-level lapse rates and storm outflow. Limited mid-level instability is expected to keep the overall severe threat isolated and marginal.
Storms are most likely from mid-afternoon through early evening, gradually weakening as the cold front moves east and instability decreases after sunset.
Meteorologists note that most areas may only see scattered showers or brief storms, but any stronger cell could produce short-lived gusty winds.
For commuters and students traveling late Sunday afternoon, brief downpours and sudden gusts could cause temporary visibility reductions or minor travel disruptions.
Residents across the region are encouraged to monitor local forecasts and stay alert for rapidly developing storms.
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