Raleigh, North Carolina – Summer-like heat returns to central North Carolina today, but it won’t last long. Storms will threaten the Raleigh area by Saturday afternoon, with gusty winds and a risk of lightning prompting caution for weekend plans.
According to the National Weather Service, Raleigh will reach a high near 91°F Friday under partly sunny skies, with light southwest winds shifting to the west. Saturday brings a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m., with highs climbing to 90°F and wind gusts near 25 mph. Motorists on I-40 and I-440 should stay alert for sudden downpours and slick conditions.
By Saturday night, storm chances taper off after 8 p.m., though skies will remain mostly cloudy with lows near 68°F. Sunday looks calmer with mostly sunny skies and a high of 85°F, but showers return by Tuesday. The NWS notes a daily thunderstorm chance through midweek, with Wednesday seeing the highest precipitation potential at 60%.
Residents planning weekend events should monitor updates and move activities indoors if thunder roars. Keep devices charged and avoid flooded roads during sudden downpours.
Five-Day Forecast for Raleigh:
- Saturday: 30% chance of afternoon storms, high of 90°F
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high of 85°F
- Monday: Sunny and calm, high of 86°F
- Tuesday: 40% chance of storms, high of 85°F
- Wednesday: 60% chance of storms, high near 80°F
