Raleigh residents might need to keep their umbrellas at arm's reach, as the National Weather Service in Raleigh is expecting a soggy week ahead, with persistent rain showers and possible thunderstorms in the forecast. According to the NWS, light rain and fog are prevalent this morning, with a moisture-laden 93% humidity sweeping over the city, winds kicking from the northeast at around 15 mph, reaching gusts up to 26 mph. Temperatures have dipped to a cool 49°F, giving a brisk wind chill of 43°F.
The downpour is set to continue throughout today, with a high of 54°F and chance of precipitation at a strong 90%. The outlook doesn't much improve into the night; rain is likely after 5 am, as the clouds stubbornly linger and temperatures hover at a low of around 48°F. The wind forecast remains brisk, gusting up to 22 mph. NWS forecasts "new precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible" for this evening.
Going into Wednesday, early rain is likely to taper off before 8 am, but the clouds won't give way to sunshine just yet. The high is expected to reach 60°F with a sustained northeast wind. There's a 60% chance of precipitation, with minimal additional rainfall anticipated. A similar pattern continues into Wednesday night, although this time with a higher chance of showers and a possible thunderstorm after 2 am.
Those hoping for clear skies by Thursday will have to wait a bit longer, as showers and possible thunderstorms are likely to persist before clearing some in the afternoon. The high is expected to be around 64°F, and with the front moving through, wind direction will shift to the southwest. The forecast closes out the week on a brighter note, with mostly clear skies expected by Thursday night and sunny conditions from Friday through the weekend.
Residents and visitors planning outdoor activities later in the week can look forward to dry conditions, as temperatures will continue to sit comfortably in the low-60s. As they say, after the rain comes a rainbow—or in Raleigh's case, a string of sunny days. For the full weather outlook, visit the NWS website at NWS Raleigh.
