Raleigh woke up Saturday morning, March 28, 2026, to mostly cloudy skies, a brisk 48°F, and north winds that made it feel more like late winter than early spring. Gusts are expected to spike into the mid-20s to low-30s mph this morning as humidity drops, a combo that can turn a spark into a fast-moving fire in dry spots.
Special Weather Statement And Fire Concern
The National Weather Service in Raleigh has issued Special Weather Statements flagging minimum relative humidity values between 20 and 30 percent and wind gusts mostly between 20 and 30 mph, with isolated gusts near 35 mph this morning. That mix ramps up the risk of wildfire spread, especially from the southern Piedmont into the Sandhills and southern Coastal Plain, according to National Weather Service Raleigh.
Officials are urging extreme caution with anything that can throw off a spark: open flames, smoking materials, or equipment operated over dry grass. If you live in rural or wooded neighborhoods, keep an eye out for sudden smoke and avoid driving or parking on dry grass.
Afternoon Winds And Temperatures
Skies should turn mostly sunny with a high near 56°F on Saturday, but the breeze sticks around. North winds of 10 to 16 mph are expected, with gusts up to about 26 mph this afternoon. Temperatures will climb in the coming days, with highs near the mid-70s Monday and into the upper-70s and low-80s by Tuesday and Wednesday, before a chance of showers and thunderstorms returns late next week. That dry, warm stretch will likely deepen existing drought conditions across central North Carolina.
Frost And Freeze Tonight
Clear skies overnight will let temperatures tumble. Lows are forecast to dip mostly into the upper-20s to low-30s, and a hard freeze (below 28°F) is possible in colder, rural spots Sunday morning. Areas of frost are expected after about 2 a.m., so gardeners and anyone with sensitive outdoor plumbing should cover plants and disconnect hoses.
Daytime temperatures will rebound quickly on Sunday, but for tonight, take care not to leave outdoor hoses or sprinkler systems exposed to the freeze.
How To Stay Safe
Avoid open burns and skip operating spark-producing equipment in or near dry grass. Make sure cigarettes and matches are fully out and tossed only in proper receptacles. Check local burn restrictions and county guidance before any controlled burning, and see the North Carolina Forest Service for current advisories and county contact information. Secure loose outdoor items, and drivers of high-profile vehicles should use extra caution on gusty roads this afternoon.
Legal Implications
Local burn bans or permit cancellations may be in effect in some counties, and violating those restrictions can result in fines or enforcement actions by county rangers or fire marshals. When in doubt, contact your county forest ranger or fire marshal before lighting any outdoor fire.
