Raleigh residents can expect one more blast of summer heat before relief arrives this weekend, with temperatures pushing near 90° by Thursday afternoon. Outdoor workers, commuters, and anyone attending early fall events should plan for hot, sunny conditions that could pose heat risks without proper precautions.
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, Thursday will stay mostly sunny, with highs reaching 88° and calm winds shifting southwest at 5 to 8 mph. Friday brings even hotter conditions, topping out at 91°, while Saturday climbs to 92° before a chance of showers moves in overnight. Drivers along I-40 and US-1 should prepare for reduced visibility if storms develop late Saturday into Sunday.
The heat will make Friday night football games across Wake County feel more like August than early September. Fans are urged to stay hydrated and take breaks in shaded areas. Air conditioning use may also spike, so Duke Energy recommends checking emergency kits in case storms cause outages this weekend.
Rain chances increase Saturday night into Sunday afternoon, with scattered showers and a 30% chance of thunderstorms. While not a washout, periods of wet weather may slow traffic and impact outdoor plans. By Monday, skies clear, and highs ease back into the low 80s, signaling a more fall-like start to the week.
Residents should stay alert to updated advisories, especially with storm chances returning over the weekend.
Five Day Forecast for Raleigh, NC
- Thursday: Sunny, high 88°, low 68°
- Friday: Sunny, high 91°, low 70°
- Saturday: Sunny early, high 92°, chance of showers at night, low 68°
- Sunday: Showers and storms possible, high 84°, low 62°
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high 80°, low 63°
