Raleigh, NC — A surge of unseasonably warm weather will push temperatures across the Triangle into the upper 80s Friday afternoon, prompting a weather alert for those spending time outdoors.
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, temperatures will rise sharply after a cloudy morning, reaching 88°F in Raleigh and nearby cities like Cary, Durham, and Chapel Hill by 3 p.m. Some locations could approach 90°F—nearly 20 degrees above early April averages. Skies are expected to clear by midday, leaving mostly sunny conditions through the afternoon.
The heat is compounded by southwest winds of 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph in exposed areas. Morning temperatures began in the mid-to-upper 60s across central North Carolina but will climb rapidly by noon.
Officials advise residents to stay hydrated and limit strenuous activity outdoors, especially in direct sunlight. Those working or exercising outside should take frequent breaks and monitor for signs of heat-related stress.
This abrupt heat spike is unusual for early April and follows a trend of warming spring patterns across the state. Cooler air is expected to return over the weekend, but forecasters urge caution throughout the remainder of Friday.
