Raleigh, North Carolina – Showers and thunderstorms are set to move into central North Carolina within hours, with the greatest impacts expected during the late afternoon and evening commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, storms will begin developing after 4 p.m., with rain chances increasing steadily through the evening. The highest coverage will occur north and east of Raleigh, including areas like Rocky Mount and Roanoke Rapids, while lighter and more scattered activity is expected toward Fayetteville and Sanford.
Rainfall totals will generally average around a quarter inch, though localized higher amounts are possible in stronger cells. Lightning and brief downpours could reduce visibility on major routes like I-40, I-440, and US-1 during peak travel hours.
Storms will gradually weaken later tonight, transitioning to lighter rain before ending overnight.
Residents should plan for slower travel this evening, keep devices charged, and remain alert for rapidly changing conditions if storms intensify.
Drier conditions return by Saturday, with cooler air settling in behind the system and more stable weather expected through the weekend.
