The National Weather Service in Raleigh issued an update early this morning, advising residents of possible scattered showers and thunderstorms likely to disrupt the otherwise sunny days ahead. Temperatures are expected to reach highs nearing the 90s, with a calm wind becoming northeast around 6 mph in the morning. According to the NWS update, the chance of precipitation today stands at 30%, with "new rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms." Humidity remains high at 90%, which will make for muggy conditions even when the sun breaks through.
Tonight, Raleigh can expect the possibility of continued showers and thunderstorms to slowly taper off before 11pm, leaving the area under mostly cloudy skies and a low around 71. Winds will maintain a gentle pace of northeast wind 3 to 5 mph. "Chance of precipitation is 30%," notes the NWS update, warning of potential new precipitation amounts in a similar range as the daytime—though thunderstorms could bring higher totals in localized areas.
Looking further into the week, Tuesday will also hold a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. The NWS forecasts a partly sunny day with a high near 86 and continued northeast winds. The pattern of potential afternoon precipitation with lower chances continues into Wednesday, with a 20% chance of thunderstorms after 2pm and highs projected to remain steady in the mid-80s.
Temperatures will cool slightly towards the end of the week, with Thursday and Friday yielding mostly sunny to partly sunny skies and highs hovering in the low 80s. Evenings will follow suit with partly cloudy conditions and lows in the upper 60s. The weekend promises similar patterns, as there's a "chance of showers and thunderstorms" with highs in the low 80s and a 30 to 40% chance of precipitation according to the detailed forecast.
For those with outdoor plans, the Hazardous Weather Outlook highlights an isolated risk for flash flooding, primarily "in urban and poor drainage locations," during Monday's scattered downpours. Although no significant hazardous weather is expected, residents should remain vigilant to the possibility of sudden heavy rains. Spotters, however, will likely not be required this week, as spotter activation is not expected at this time.
