Saturday, April 18, Raleigh started the day cool and crisp, but the thermostat is not staying polite for long. Mostly sunny skies will send afternoon highs into the low 90s, topping out near 92°F. Morning temperatures in the upper 50s to low 60s will give way to a hot, dry afternoon as dew points stay low and the air keeps that desert-lite feel.
Afternoon Heat And Low Humidity
The National Weather Service in Raleigh is calling for a high near 92°F today with a light southwest breeze around 0 to 8 mph. Afternoon humidity will tumble into the 20s, so the heat index should end up only a few degrees above the actual air temperature. It will be unseasonably warm but not swampy. If you are working or playing outside, shift the heavy stuff to early morning or later in the evening and keep water close for kids, pets and older adults.
Sunday Cool Down And Gusty Winds
A cold front will slide through Sunday morning, dragging a band of mostly light, anafrontal rain and thicker clouds across the area. Most spots see only about a 30–40% chance of showers, with rainfall totals generally just a few hundredths up to a tenth of an inch. Behind the front, northwest winds pick up to about 8–17 mph with gusts up to 30 mph for a few hours. Afternoon highs drop back into the low 70s, and some locations may only manage the low 60s. Skies clear out Sunday evening as cooler air settles in and the wind backs off.
Fire Danger And Open Burning Ban
Dry vegetation and low overnight humidity have pushed fire danger higher across central North Carolina. The N.C. Forest Service has a statewide open burning ban in place, effective March 28, which suspends all burning permits until further notice. Violators can be fined and may have to cover suppression costs, so hold off on debris burning, backyard bonfires, fireworks and any other open flames while the ban is active. Details on the restrictions are posted by the N.C. Forest Service.
What To Do
Tie down or bring in loose yard items today before Sunday’s gusts try to relocate them. Hydrate during the hottest stretch between roughly 2 and 5 p.m. and plan for blustery northwest winds Sunday that could make the evening drive a bit more chaotic than usual. There are no active National Weather Service watches or warnings for the Raleigh area this morning, but the frontal passage could shake things up, so give the latest forecast a quick check before heading out.
