Raleigh woke up to a cloudy, cool Friday, May 22, with temperatures sitting in the mid-60s and rain chances building through the day. Showers are possible this morning, with a steadier, soaking pattern expected to settle in tonight and hang around into next week. If you have outdoor plans this Memorial Day weekend, bank on wet conditions and give yourself extra time for commutes.
What To Expect This Week
Showers are on the increase Friday, May 22, and a slow-moving, wet pattern is expected to hold through the holiday and into next week. Today will be cloudy with a high near 77°F and about a 40% chance of rain. Rain is likely Friday night with a low near 64°F and localized amounts of a quarter to a half-inch possible.
Saturday and Saturday night bring the highest thunderstorm potential, with highs near 81°F and showers and storms likely. Sunday, May 24, looks wetter still, with a high near 84°F and widespread showers and thunderstorms likely. The National Weather Service warns average multi-day totals of 2 to 4 inches are possible across the Piedmont through mid-week, with isolated higher amounts that could produce urban or poor-drainage flooding, according to the National Weather Service.
Where This Update Fits
We flagged building storm chances earlier this week as the region warmed up. This update shifts the forecast toward a wetter, longer-lasting pattern. See our earlier outlook for the previous take on the setup.
Commutes And Flights
Low ceilings and steady rain will make morning travel slower and could reduce visibility at Raleigh-Durham International (RDU) and other area airports, with IFR conditions likely at times. On the roads, drive carefully through standing water, avoid flooded streets, and give yourself extra time on Friday night and over the holiday weekend. If you have flights, check with your airline and the airport before leaving.
How To Stay Updated
Keep weather alerts on and check forecasts before heading out, especially if you are traveling or have outdoor plans. Local officials and utilities may post road-closure or flood notices if needed. If flooding occurs, avoid driving through standing water and follow directions from emergency services.
