Raleigh wakes up to clear skies and a crisp chill on Sunday, with morning temperatures hovering near 40°F and sunshine quickly taking over. By this afternoon, it will feel more like spring again with a pleasant high near 68°F, although a northwest breeze will keep things feeling a bit cooler for anyone planning to linger outside.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
The wind is not just for background noise today. Northwest winds are expected to run around 6 to 10 mph, with afternoon gusts pushing up to about 18 mph. That is enough to make bike rides and drives in high-profile vehicles feel a little livelier than the thermometer suggests. Hour by hour, temperatures climb from the low 40s this morning into the low to mid 60s by lunchtime, topping out in the upper 60s by late afternoon, according to the latest local forecast discussion from the National Weather Service.
Warm Start To The Week
The warmth builds quickly as the new week kicks off. Monday, May 4, 2026, looks sunnier and warmer, with highs near 79°F. By Tuesday, May 5, 2026, afternoon readings could nudge into the low 80s. A strengthening south-southwest return flow ahead of an approaching cold front will crank up the wind again, and gusts are expected to increase as that setup takes shape.
Fire weather becomes more of a concern on Tuesday afternoon, when drier air pairs with those stronger gusts. Anyone planning outdoor burning or dealing with dry brush close to buildings should be extra cautious and keep tabs on any official advisories that may be issued.
Late-Week Showers And Strong Gusts
By midweek, the quiet stretch starts to break down. Wednesday, May 6, 2026, carries a growing chance of rain, even as highs reach near 85°F. From Wednesday night into Thursday, May 7, 2026, the odds of showers and thunderstorms go up, with the main focus for more organized storms and gusty winds expected on Thursday as a cold front sweeps through.
Wind gusts could spike to around 30 to 35 mph as the front passes. By late Thursday night, the front should clear the area, opening the door for drier, cooler air to settle in for Friday. For background on how the pattern set up, check out our earlier coverage of raw rain and chilly winds that kicked off the weekend.
How To Prepare
Before the wind ramps up, it is a good time to secure loose patio furniture, trash cans, and other lightweight items ahead of Tuesday and again before Thursday. If you have outdoor plans for Thursday evening, consider a backup indoor option in case thunderstorms move in.
Stay tuned to local forecasts and alerts through midweek, and make sure you have a reliable way to receive any warnings if storms approach.
