Raleigh residents should brace themselves for a mix of hot and stormy weather today. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures are set to climb as high as 93°F, with heat index values potentially reaching a stifling 103. While the morning might see some calm, there's a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3 pm. Less than a tenth of an inch of rain is expected, but higher amounts could occur if thunderstorms develop.
Tonight, the likelihood of storms increases considerably, with a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms, especially before 11pm. The sky should remain mostly cloudy as temperatures dip to around 73°F. Rainfall between a tenth and a quarter of an inch is anticipated, although, thunderstorms could push those totals higher. Through it all, the southwesterly wind persists, albeit lightly at around 7 mph.
The wet weather is not expected to let up on Wednesday. Showers and possible thunderstorms are forecasted throughout the day with a high chance of precipitation at 90%. The high temperature will be slightly cooler at around 85°F with calm winds. "There is a marginal risk (level 1 of 4) of excessive rainfall Wednesday," the Hazardous Weather Outlook by the NWS warns. The evening, however, may offer some respite after 8pm as the likelihood of showers and thunderstorms drops, and clouds begin to part.
Looking later into the week, Raleigh's climate shifts back to hotter and sunnier conditions. Thursday should greet residents with mostly sunny skies and highs reaching 92°F, setting the scene for a bright Independence Day. The weekend will follow suit with sunny days and clear nights, temperatures sitting comfortably in the low 90's during the day and dipping into the upper 60's at night. However, despite the impending clear skies, the Hazardous Weather Outlook by the NWS cautions about "a marginal risk of severe weather late this afternoon and this evening." The main concern being damaging wind gusts.
