Raleigh, North Carolina – Thunderstorms and oppressive heat will converge in Raleigh Sunday, July 20th, as North Carolina faces one of the summer’s hottest and most storm-prone weekends. With highs nearing 96 degrees and heat index values up to 106, residents should prepare for hazardous travel and health risks, especially along key corridors like I-40 and I-440.
According to the National Weather Service, a chance of showers and thunderstorms will develop after 2 p.m. Sunday. While most storms will be brief, locally heavy downpours and gusty winds could disrupt outdoor plans and slow traffic. Raleigh drivers should avoid non-essential travel during peak storm hours, and anyone spending time outside should stay hydrated, seek shade, and limit strenuous activity.
Sunday night will bring only a slight risk of showers, but heat remains the primary concern. Utility crews and emergency managers are on alert for possible heat-related outages or health emergencies. Monday brings mostly sunny skies, but more storms are likely by afternoon with highs in the low 90s and continued muggy conditions.
The heat will persist through much of the workweek, with highs in the upper 80s to mid-90s. Most days will be sunny, but scattered showers or storms could return Monday night and Tuesday. Prepare for high humidity and minimal overnight relief, as lows linger in the low 70s.
Warnings remain in effect through Sunday evening, and additional advisories are possible as the week unfolds.
Five-Day Forecast for Raleigh, NC (July 20–25):
- Sunday (7/20): High 96°F, slight chance of afternoon/evening storms. Heat index up to 106.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high 93°F. Afternoon thunderstorms likely.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high 88°F. Drier, less humid.
- Wednesday: Sunny, high 88°F.
- Thursday: Sunny, high 94°F.
- Friday: Sunny, high near 96°F.
