North Carolina — Wind pushes through Raleigh this morning while bands of rain sweep across the Triangle. Streetlights reflect off wet pavement and gusts shake early tree blossoms as showers intensify.
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, showers and thunderstorms will continue through the morning hours as a cold front crosses central North Carolina. Wind gusts may reach 36 mph, and rainfall totals between 0.50 and 0.75 inches are possible before skies begin clearing later in the day. A marginal risk of stronger storms exists, mainly capable of locally damaging wind.
Drivers across I-40, I-440, and U.S. 1 may encounter brief downpours and reduced visibility during the morning commute. Slick roads and gusty crosswinds could slow traffic around downtown Raleigh, Cary, and the Raleigh-Durham International Airport corridor. Plan extra travel time and keep headlights on during heavier rain.
Conditions improve quickly once the front moves east. Sunshine returns heading into Friday with cooler air settling across Wake County. Afternoon highs reach about 60°F, offering crisp but comfortable early-spring weather across Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill.
By Saturday, March 14, the region transitions into a pleasant stretch of spring weather. Skies stay mostly sunny while temperatures climb near 69°F across the Triangle. Light winds and bright sunshine may draw residents outdoors to parks, greenways, and college campuses across the region.
Another shift arrives late Sunday as clouds increase ahead of the next storm system. Showers could develop late Sunday night before a wetter pattern returns Monday with thunderstorms possible across central North Carolina.
Meteorologists are also watching signals of above-normal temperatures building across the Southeast late next week, hinting at an early taste of spring warmth before the official start of the season on March 20.
Traveling across the Triangle this weekend? Are roads drying out in your neighborhood yet?
Five Day Outlook – Raleigh, NC
Friday: Sunny and cooler. High 60°F.
Saturday: Mostly sunny with spring warmth. High 69°F.
Sunday: Mostly sunny and mild. High 74°F.
Monday: Showers and possible thunderstorms. High 75°F.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny and cooler. High 48°F.
