Tuesday, March 24, 2026 — Raleigh started the day on a brisk note, with RDU checking in around 43°F and a stiff NNE breeze kicking early commuters awake. Skies will brighten through the day, turning mostly sunny by afternoon with a high near 57°F, so it stays cool but pleasant.
Afternoon Commute and Today's Winds
The gusty NNE winds, running about 10–20 mph this morning, will back off into lighter east winds later today. That means a breezy ride home, but nothing that should cause travel issues. Mid- and high-level clouds will drift through at times, though the airport and local roads are expected to operate normally. A light jacket is still a smart move for morning errands. According to NWS Raleigh, skies stay mostly sunny with afternoon highs topping out near 57°F.
Late-Week Warm-Up
A sharp warm-up rolls in on Thursday, March 26, with afternoon temperatures jumping into the upper 70s. Friday, March 27, looks even hotter, with a high near 86°F and a chance of showers after about 2 p.m. Those numbers could flirt with or beat daily records for late March at some of the region's climate sites.
Weekend Turn Colder
A strong cold front pushes through late Friday, March 27, bringing gusty winds Friday night into Saturday, March 28, and a fast temperature drop. Highs Saturday are expected to run roughly 20–30°F cooler than Friday, landing in the upper 50s to low 60s. By early Sunday, March 29, lows dip into the mid-30s. With clear skies and light winds Sunday morning, some localized frost is possible, so gardeners will want to cover any tender plants. For a bit of context on this pattern, including earlier bouts of spring fog and warmth, see Raleigh vanishes in morning fog.
What To Know
In short, plan on layers for the chilly start, enjoy a cool but sunny afternoon, then get ready for an unusually warm Thursday and Friday followed by a quick cool-down and a possible frost Sunday, March 29. We will watch for any official watches or warnings and update if local agencies issue alerts.
