RALEIGH, N.C. – After a soggy Columbus Day weekend, North Carolina is in for a dramatic flip as drier, cooler air sweeps across the state. The National Weather Service says the wet pattern ends today, giving way to clear skies and crisp fall conditions by Tuesday morning. Commuters across Wake, Durham, and Johnston counties should prepare for cooler starts and breezy afternoons as the first true taste of mid-October arrives.
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, rain tapers off today with gusts up to 30 mph along I-40 and I-95. Temperatures will slide into the 50s overnight, followed by mild highs in the 70s under mostly sunny skies through midweek. While no hazardous weather is expected, patchy early-morning fog could briefly slow traffic on area highways.
Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the calmer weather for fall yardwork or pumpkin patch visits before another weak front late in the week. Cooler air will make morning school drop-offs brisk by Wednesday, with highs steady near 75 degrees through Friday.
For homeowners, this early fall stretch is a good time to clean gutters, check heating systems, and protect plants as nighttime lows dip into the upper 40s by midweek. Sunshine will dominate much of the extended outlook — a welcome change after the damp start to the holiday weekend.
Five-Day Forecast for Raleigh, NC:
Sun: 67/58 – Rain likely; gusts near 30 mph.
Mon (Columbus Day): 71/55 – Partly sunny; breezy early.
Tue: 74/56 – Mostly sunny; light winds.
Wed: 76/49 – Sunny, mild fall day.
Thu: 78/48 – Bright, dry, and calm; ideal for fall activities.
