Raleigh woke up thick with humidity on Sunday, June 28, 2026, with temperatures already in the mid 70s at the RDU station and dew points that left the air feeling sticky before breakfast. Skies will stay partly sunny ahead of a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon, mainly after noon and into the evening. Drivers should be ready for sudden downpours and gusty winds that can quickly slick roads and slow the trip home.
Afternoon Storms Could Be Strong
Storms are most likely to bubble up after about 12 p.m. and drift east across the Triangle through the evening, with most spots seeing between a quarter and a half inch of rain in the heavier cells. According to the National Weather Service Raleigh, the main concerns today are damaging straight line winds and pockets of locally heavy rain that could trigger brief flooding. Keep an eye on radar and throw an umbrella in the car, since heavy bursts of rain could quickly cut visibility and slow traffic during the evening commute.
Heat Builds Into The Holiday Weekend
Once today’s storms move out, the heat moves in fast. Highs climb to around 92°F on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, near 99°F on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, about 101°F on Thursday, July 2, 2026, and into the low 100s, roughly 104°F, on Friday, July 3 and on Independence Day, Saturday, July 4, 2026. Overnight lows only slip into the upper 60s to mid 70s in many neighborhoods, so there will not be much of a cooldown between afternoons. That combination of heat and humidity will raise health risks for older adults, infants, people working outside, and anyone without reliable air conditioning.
Stay Cool And Watch The Sky
If your air conditioning is unreliable or nonexistent, city officials urge you to use local resources such as cooling centers and heat safety guidance. The City of Raleigh recommends drinking plenty of water, skipping strenuous outdoor work during the hottest hours, and checking in on neighbors who may be especially vulnerable. For holiday plans and outdoor events, try to schedule the hard work for mornings or evenings, and keep one eye on the sky this afternoon in case a sudden storm briefly interrupts travel or gatherings.
