RALEIGH, NC – The calm, cool start to the week won’t last long. Rain spreads into the Raleigh-Durham region by early Tuesday, signaling the first active system of December. Expect a wet, windy commute for drivers and reduced visibility through the morning as widespread rain moves east across central North Carolina.
Meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Raleigh say rain will begin after 2 a.m., becoming steady and moderate through mid-morning Tuesday. Precipitation chances hit 100%, and gusts up to 20 mph could make umbrellas a challenge during rush hour. Most areas will see three-quarters to one inch of rainfall, tapering off by afternoon.
Skies clear Tuesday night as drier air returns, with lows dipping into the upper 20s. Wednesday brings a crisp reset — sunny and near 48°F, followed by milder highs in the low 50s Thursday. But meteorologists are already tracking a late-week pattern change: colder air sliding south may set the stage for a rain-to-snow mix Friday, mainly north and west of the Triangle.
Drivers should allow extra time Tuesday morning, especially along I-40, I-440, and U.S. 1, where ponding and brief hydroplaning may occur. Keep rain gear close and stay alert for changing visibility near low-lying routes.
By weekend, expect a cool, partly cloudy stretch with highs near 52°F and lows in the 30s — a classic early December chill as winter slowly settles across the Carolinas.
