Raleigh woke up clear and frosty on Sunday, March 29, 2026, with temperatures in the mid-30s and pockets of frost likely before 8 a.m. The chill will not stick around for long, though, with sunshine taking over and a high near 66°F expected this afternoon.
Morning Freeze And Sunny Afternoon
Most neighborhoods will climb from the low 30s at dawn to the mid-60s by late afternoon, with south winds generally running a gentle 0–8 mph. By evening, skies turn partly cloudy with a low around 47°F, setting up comfortably mild conditions for any nighttime plans.
High Fire Risk
That pleasant sunshine comes with a catch: very dry afternoon air. Minimum relative humidity values are expected to drop to roughly 15–25 percent over much of the Piedmont, creating an elevated risk of quick-spreading grass and brush fires, according to the National Weather Service in Raleigh. Winds stay light today but are expected to increase later in the week, and officials say the real issue in central North Carolina is how dry the fuels have become.
Legal Implications
The N.C. Forest Service has issued a statewide ban on open burning effective 6 p.m. Saturday, March 28, and has canceled all burn permits until further notice, so open fires and debris burning are illegal while the ban is active. Local fire marshals are enforcing the order, and anyone responsible for an escaped burn may face penalties or be held liable for suppression costs if a fire spreads.
Week Ahead: Warming Then Storms
The warm spell sticks around through the week, with highs near 74°F on Monday and climbing into the low 80s Tuesday and Wednesday. A chance of showers and thunderstorms returns Wednesday afternoon with about a 40 percent chance of rain. Gusts up to roughly 20 mph are possible Tuesday and could make any storms more gusty, so midweek outdoor plans should stay flexible.
What To Do
Gardeners should cover tender plants before dawn to shield them from frost, and everyone should steer clear of any open burning, outdoor welding, or other spark-producing work while fuels remain this dry. If you spot a brush or grass fire, call 911 immediately and give the nearest road or landmark; quick reporting helps crews contain fires before they get away.
Keep an eye on local forecasts and official updates as conditions change, and consider subscribing to county alerts or following local agencies for the fastest notifications.
