Raleigh, N.C. – Central North Carolina faces a stormy stretch as severe weather targets the region starting Friday, September 26. Heavy downpours and damaging winds could bring dangerous conditions, particularly along major routes like I-40 and I-85, where travel disruptions are likely.
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, isolated severe storms will build Thursday night and strengthen Friday with gusts topping 40 mph. Forecasters warn of flash flooding in urban and low-lying areas, with Wake, Durham, and Johnston counties most at risk. Residents should avoid unnecessary travel, charge devices, and secure outdoor items before storms intensify.
Friday’s system could also slow commutes and impact events across Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. Schools and businesses should prepare for potential schedule changes if rainfall totals climb. By Saturday, showers and thunderstorms will continue before gradually easing into Sunday, though soggy conditions remain likely.
Cooler fall air edges in behind the storms early next week, with highs dropping into the low 70s by Monday. While no early freeze appears imminent, forecasters suggest this pattern could hint at cooler October nights ahead.
Warnings remain possible through Friday evening, and more advisories may be issued as conditions develop.
Five-Day Forecast for Raleigh, NC
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high near 93. Calm winds.
- Thursday: Chance of storms after 2 p.m., high near 92. Rainfall less than one-tenth inch, higher in storms.
- Friday: Showers and storms likely, high near 84. Flash flooding possible.
- Saturday: Rain and storms continue, high near 79. Chance of precipitation 70%.
- Sunday: Showers tapering, high near 79. Afternoon thunderstorms possible. Cooler by Monday.
