Monday, February 23, 2026 — Raleigh rolled into the workweek under a brisk, mostly cloudy sky, with temperatures hovering around 30°F at Raleigh-Durham International Airport and northwest winds cutting that number down even more. The afternoon high should reach near 46°F, but wind-chill values could plunge into the low 20s through the day, so this is a layers-and-gloves kind of commute and a good time to secure any lightweight items outside.
Afternoon Gusts Keep Things Uncomfortable
Skies should brighten a bit this afternoon as the sun breaks through, but the cold breeze is not going anywhere. Northwest winds are expected to hold steady around 13–16 mph, with gusts up to 28 mph making walks and bike rides feel noticeably colder. The National Weather Service in Raleigh is calling out the gusty setup and urging extra caution for high-profile vehicles and outdoor activities NWS Raleigh. Forecasters also note that a few stronger, less common gusts to around 40 mph cannot be ruled out in isolated spots.
Dry Air Brings Marginal Fire Risk South
On top of the wind, relative humidity will dip into the mid-20s to mid-30s this afternoon. That dry air has forecasters flagging a marginal fire-spread risk across the southern Piedmont and far southern Sandhills, where recent rainfall was on the light side. Residents are urged to skip outdoor burning for now and to move any easily combustible materials away from homes and other structures until conditions ease. Those in southern neighborhoods should keep an eye on local county guidance and the NC Forest Service for any burn restrictions.
Midweek Warm-Up Sets The Stage For Rain
By Wednesday, temperatures rebound into the upper 50s to near 60°F as a milder southerly flow takes over. The next shot at measurable rain arrives late Wednesday night into Thursday, as a warm front lifts through the region. Light to moderate rain is most likely on Thursday, with breezy southwest winds possible ahead of the front. For more on the pattern shift and last night’s early-week snow flirtation, check out rain, howling gusts and a flirt with snow.
Plan for gusty conditions during the afternoon commute, as high-profile vehicles should take extra care and cyclists should be ready for blustery crosswinds. If you have outdoor plans on Thursday, it may be wise to move them inside during the window when rain is most likely.
