Raleigh woke up to a gray, soupy start on Friday, July 24, 2026, as light rain, dense fog and muggy air settled over the city. Early observations at RDU showed temperatures hovering around 69°F with visibility cut to about 1.7 miles. With damp pavement and low visibility, drivers and transit riders should expect a slower-than-usual commute and use extra caution on low-lying streets.
Showers and Thunderstorms Likely Before Noon
Showers and thunderstorms are expected through mid-morning before easing to scattered showers this afternoon, with a high near 78°F. The chance of precipitation sits around 70%, and forecasters are calling for roughly a tenth to a quarter of an inch of new rain, with heavier bursts possible in stronger storms, according to the National Weather Service. Small pockets of localized ponding could develop on roads with poor drainage.
Morning Commute and Flights
Low clouds and fog are doing no favors for travelers this morning. Reduced visibility and low ceilings could slow surface traffic and lead to flight delays, with forecasters flagging possible IFR/LIFR conditions at RDU, FAY and RWI accompanied by periods of moderate to heavy rain. If you are catching an early flight, check with your airline and plan on extra time driving through neighborhoods that tend to see standing water. Our earlier coverage followed the week’s flood watches and high-water trouble spots - see this week's low-lying street flooding for background.
Weekend Outlook
Conditions should start trending back toward typical midsummer heat by Sunday, when highs are forecast to climb into the upper 80s. Monday and Tuesday will likely push near or above 90°F as humidity builds again and storms become more tied to the daily heating cycle. Outdoor plans are still in play, but you may want to shift the most strenuous activities to earlier or later in the day, keep water handy and be ready to duck inside when those quick-hitting afternoon storms bubble up.
