Raleigh rolled into Thursday, March 5, 2026, under a blanket of muggy low clouds, with temperatures sitting near 57°F at the RDU observing site and dewpoints in the mid 50s. Skies should gradually brighten this afternoon, and once the sun breaks through, highs are expected to climb into the upper 70s, around 79°F, as southwest winds kick in. Gusts could reach the upper teens to around 20 mph during the late-day commute. Nights will stay on the warm side, with lows hovering near 60°F through the weekend.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Southwest winds are set to strengthen from late morning into the afternoon, with sustained speeds around 5-12 mph and gusts pushing into the upper teens to roughly 20 mph. That will make any late-day outdoor plans feel noticeably breezier. Highs are expected to top out near 79°F on Thursday, March 5, 2026, and around 81°F on Friday, March 6, 2026. For the latest conditions and any short-fuse tweaks to the forecast, check the National Weather Service.
Foggy Mornings, Muggy Nights
A persistent onshore flow will keep feeding low clouds and pockets of fog into the region each morning, especially across the eastern counties and into parts of the Sandhills. Early low clouds have already been an issue for spots like Sampson County and nearby areas, and that pattern looks to continue. Surface dewpoints are forecast to rise into the upper 50s to low 60s by the weekend, so mornings will stay sticky and visibility could drop to around a mile in places. For more neighborhood-level context on the warmup and morning fog, see our earlier local preview on the foggy start, sizzling finish.
Sunday Into Monday: Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
The best chance for showers and thunderstorms arrives Sunday into Monday, with Sunday, March 8, 2026, looking particularly active. Widespread clouds are expected, along with a roughly 60% chance of precipitation across the area. Forecasters note that some storms could be on the strong side, producing heavy rain and gusty winds, and a marginal severe threat will be monitored as the period gets closer. Keep an eye on the National Weather Service for any shifts in the forecast and the possibility of advisories.
How To Plan
Try to knock out outdoor errands in the morning or early afternoon before the gustier winds and late-day stickiness kick in. Secure lightweight outdoor furniture so it does not tumble across the yard during breezy afternoons, and keep a light rain jacket handy for Sunday evening plans. If you are heading out early, budget extra time for pockets of fog to lift during the morning commute. We will update this post if watches or warnings are issued for central North Carolina.
