Raleigh, NC – A warm, muggy air mass blankets the Triangle this morning as holiday travelers begin their journeys under thickening clouds. The early calm will give way to scattered rain by afternoon, signaling a brief but noticeable shift ahead of Thanksgiving. Roads may turn slick across the Raleigh–Durham corridor, especially along I-40 and U.S. 1, as spotty downpours develop through midweek.
According to the National Weather Service, rain chances climb to 50% today and tonight, with highs near 70°F and muggy air lingering through Wednesday. Thunderstorms are possible in a few pockets as a front sweeps across central North Carolina. By Thanksgiving morning, that front clears the area, leaving behind a cool, sun-splashed day. Temperatures will struggle to reach the low 50s, and a light breeze will make outdoor gatherings feel brisk but pleasant.
Looking ahead, the calm won’t last long. A stronger cold front is expected nationwide this weekend, bringing below-average temperatures from Texas to the East Coast. While Raleigh should stay dry, models hint that colder air next week could set the stage for early “winter tease” conditions — with frost or a few light flurries possible in higher elevations west of the city.
Five-Day Outlook:
- Today: Chance of rain, high near 70°F.
- Wednesday: Showers likely, high 73°F.
- Thanksgiving Day: Sunny and cool, high 51°F.
- Friday: Clear and breezy, high 46°F.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, high 49°F.
