Tuesday, May 5, 2026 — Raleigh wakes up to mild, mostly sunny skies and a morning temperature near 59°F at Raleigh–Durham International Airport. Sunshine should send afternoon readings into the low 80s, though a stiff southwest breeze will make the day feel a bit rowdier than the numbers alone suggest.
Afternoon Winds Whip Up
Southwest winds are expected to ramp up to around 6–16 mph this afternoon, with gusts up to 25 mph and a few isolated gusts near 35 mph possible across parts of the Piedmont. Relative humidity may dip below 30% in some locations by mid-afternoon, setting up a brief window of elevated fire-weather concerns, according to the National Weather Service.
Fire Weather And Burn Ban Status
Recent green-up has helped keep widespread, significant fire behavior in check, but a state-ordered burn ban still covers 19 counties, including Forsyth, Guilford and Mecklenburg. The N.C. Forest Service lifted the ban for 81 counties effective May 3, 2026, while the remaining counties must continue to hold off on open burning and secure valid permits before lighting any open burn, per the N.C. Department of Agriculture.
Midweek Storm Risk
An approaching cold front on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 will bump up the chance for showers, with a more organized batch of showers and thunderstorms expected Wednesday night into Thursday, May 7, 2026. Forecasters say the main concerns are damaging wind gusts and locally heavy rainfall, with totals through Friday projected between about a quarter inch and just over an inch in some spots, according to the National Weather Service.
Plan Ahead
Secure patio furniture, trash cans and tarps before the gustier stretch on Tuesday afternoon and again ahead of Thursday's storms. Drivers of high-profile vehicles should plan for breezy commutes and slower travel during the peak gusts. For background on the developing pattern, and to stay ahead of any watches or warnings later in the week, keep an eye on local forecasts.
