North Carolina – Damp pavement and lingering morning haze greeted early drivers across the Triangle as humid air settled over central parts of the state. Conditions improve through the day, but the bigger weather story is building warmth that will peak by midweek.
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, a stretch of dry and increasingly warm air will push temperatures well above normal through Wednesday. Afternoon highs climb from the upper 70s to the mid-80s across central North Carolina, including Raleigh, Cary, Durham, and Chapel Hill.
By Wednesday, thermometers may reach 86°F in Raleigh, nearly 15 degrees above early-March averages. Light southwest winds will keep skies partly sunny, creating a brief taste of early spring across the Piedmont.
Drivers should still watch for occasional low visibility early in the mornings this week. Humidity remains high, and shallow fog can form near rivers, wooded roadways, and open fields around Wake, Johnston, and Harnett counties.
The warm spell does not last long.
Cloud cover thickens late Wednesday night as a developing system approaches from the west. By Thursday afternoon, scattered showers become more likely across the Raleigh metro and along the I-40 corridor. Rain chances rise to about 70 percent, which could slow afternoon commutes and create slick stretches of highway.
The same front also pulls cooler air back into North Carolina by Thursday night. Temperatures could tumble nearly 30 degrees by early Friday morning, creating brisk conditions for early travelers and spring break departures across the region.
Spring break travel ramps up nationwide this month, so drivers heading toward the coast or mountains should monitor changing conditions late this week.
More updates are expected as the late-week rain system approaches. How warm did it feel in your neighborhood today?
Five Day Outlook for Raleigh, North Carolina
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 82°F, slight chance of showers late
Wednesday: Partly sunny and warm, high near 86°F, breezy afternoon
Thursday: Showers likely after midday, high near 69°F
Friday: Sunny and cooler, high near 63°F
Saturday: Mostly sunny with spring warmth returning, high near 69°F
