Raleigh, North Carolina – Thunderstorms are set to make a splash across Raleigh and central North Carolina on Friday, August 1st, with summer’s first day of August bringing real weather drama. Afternoon storms could quickly turn local roads slick and send heat indices soaring past 100°F, making it a challenging day for commuters and anyone planning to be outdoors.
According to the National Weather Service, showers and thunderstorms are likely after 2 p.m. Friday, with the heaviest rain and thunder centered around Raleigh and along the I-40 corridor. The high temperature will hit near 89°F, but humidity could push the “feels-like” temperature up to 107°F. Motorists are urged to drive cautiously during and after downpours, and everyone should limit outdoor activity during the hottest hours. Rainfall totals may reach a quarter inch or more under the strongest cells.
Locally, key routes such as I-40 and downtown Raleigh streets could see pooling water and reduced visibility late Friday. Residents in Wake County and neighboring Johnston and Durham counties should prepare for rapidly changing weather, and consider rescheduling outdoor events for Saturday.
Looking ahead, Saturday and Sunday offer only slight chances for lingering storms, with partly sunny skies and highs in the mid to upper 80s. By early next week, more typical summer weather returns, with occasional afternoon thunderstorms and overnight lows holding steady in the upper 60s.
Stay alert for additional updates or warnings, as severe weather could redevelop, especially during peak heating Friday afternoon. The next update from the National Weather Service is expected by Friday morning.
Five-Day Raleigh, NC Weather Outlook:
- Friday, August 1st: Showers and thunderstorms likely after 2 p.m., high near 89°F. Rainfall totals up to a quarter inch.
- Saturday: Partly sunny, slight chance of a shower or storm after 2 p.m., high 87°F, 20% chance of rain.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high 86°F, low chance of rain.
- Monday: Partly sunny, high near 88°F. Slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms.
- Tuesday: Showers and storms possible in the afternoon, high near 86°F.
- Wednesday: Partly sunny with a 40% chance of showers and storms, high 86°F.
