Raleigh, N.C. – Drivers across central North Carolina should brace for heavy downpours and possible flash flooding on Saturday, August 16, especially along I-40 and I-85. Slow-moving thunderstorms could quickly overwhelm storm drains, making some roads impassable during peak travel hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, locally heavy rain may fall in short bursts, raising the risk for isolated flooding in Wake, Durham, and Orange counties. The greatest chance for storms will develop after 2 p.m. Saturday, with activity lingering into the evening. Motorists should avoid flooded roadways, keep headlights on in heavy rain, and monitor conditions closely.
Friday night will bring a continued chance for scattered showers, with most areas staying partly cloudy and muggy. Saturday morning should start dry before unstable afternoon air fuels thunderstorms. Any storms could produce intense rainfall in under an hour, along with frequent lightning.
Conditions improve Sunday, with mostly sunny skies and highs near 90°F. A warming trend continues into early next week, with Monday reaching 91°F under clear skies. While rainfall chances drop after Saturday, humidity will remain high, keeping nights warm.
Residents should stay weather-aware, especially if traveling or attending outdoor events on Saturday. Updates from the National Weather Service and local emergency alerts will provide the latest timing and warnings.
Five Day Forecast for Raleigh, N.C.
- Saturday: Partly sunny, storms after 2 p.m., high 88°F.
- Sunday: Sunny, high 90°F.
- Monday: Sunny, high 91°F.
- Tuesday: Partly cloudy, high 86°F.
- Wednesday: Chance of showers, high 84°F.
