Raleigh-Durham

Raleigh Crawls Through Morning Fog As Sunny Skies And Warmer Days Move In

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Published on February 17, 2026
Raleigh Crawls Through Morning Fog As Sunny Skies And Warmer Days Move InSource: Unsplash/ Christian Buehner

Raleigh woke up in a haze Tuesday, with patchy, locally dense fog draped over the Triangle, temperatures stuck in the mid-30s around Raleigh-Durham, and reduced visibility slowing the morning commute. The murky start is expected to clear by mid-morning, trading the gray for mostly sunny skies, a high near 62°F, and light southwest winds.

Foggy Mornings, Sunny Afternoons

The thickest fog is expected between about 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., especially in low-lying spots where it likes to linger. Raleigh-Durham International Airport sits on the edge of the most stubborn fog and is expected to return to VFR conditions by mid-morning, so plan on a little extra time for those early drives. For the latest hour-by-hour forecast and terminal guidance, check NWS Raleigh.

Winds And A Midweek Warmup

A southerly flow takes over tomorrow through Friday, kicking off a warming trend with highs climbing into the upper 60s tomorrow and near 72°F by Thursday and Friday. Tomorrow afternoon could turn breezy, with gusts into the upper 20s that may make it feel a bit cooler than the numbers on the thermometer. It is a good idea to secure loose outdoor items and use extra caution driving high-profile vehicles when the gusts pick up.

Weekend Rain Risks

The quiet pattern begins to unravel late in the week as a warm front approaches Thursday, followed by a cold front late Friday. That setup brings a chance of light rain Thursday and a more likely shot at rain Friday into the weekend. Forecasters say confidence in the exact timing and coverage is still low, with multiple shortwaves potentially spinning up rounds of showers, according to the NWS. Keep a rain layer handy for outdoor plans and check for updates before locking in weekend events.

There are no watches or warnings in effect this morning, but conditions can change quickly, especially in fog. Slow down if visibility drops, use low beams, and give yourself extra stopping distance. We will keep watch on the forecast and pass along any advisories if they are issued.