Raleigh Basks, Then Braces as Sunny Start Gives Way To Late-Week Storm Threat

Raleigh is starting Monday with partly cloudy skies and temperatures around 66°F at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. The calm opening will give way to a sunny afternoon near 89°F, with a small chance of a shower or thunderstorm between 8 and 9 a.m.

Sunny Afternoon, With Storms Mostly East

After that early window, skies should turn sunny as temperatures climb through the 80s, with a light north wind generally staying below 5 mph. The National Weather Service in Raleigh says the more active storm zone today is expected along and east of the I-95 corridor, especially toward Sampson and Wayne counties, rather than across Raleigh proper.

Farther southeast, forecasters have flagged a limited risk of severe storms, with damaging wind gusts the main concern and hail also possible in parts of Sampson, Cumberland and Wayne counties. No watches, warnings or advisories are in effect for Raleigh.

Tuesday Offers A Brief Break

Tuesday looks like the easiest outdoor day of the week: sunny, dry and near 88°F, with a northeast breeze around 5 mph. Overnight lows will fall to the mid-60s Monday night and upper 60s Tuesday night, giving the city a little more relief after sunset.

Storm Chances Rise Thursday And Friday

Humidity and storm chances begin returning Wednesday, when the high reaches about 89°F and a late-day shower or thunderstorm is possible. Thursday brings the best chance for measurable rain, with a high near 86°F and a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms, while storms remain likely Friday with a high near 87°F.

Any storms Thursday and Friday could bring brief heavy downpours, thunder and gusty winds, although rainfall will vary widely from neighborhood to neighborhood. People with outdoor plans should keep a closer eye on the forecast later in the week, especially during the afternoon and evening.

Weekend Heat Returns

Saturday turns mostly sunny and warmer near 89°F, though a 30% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms remains. Sunday could reach 90°F with mostly sunny skies and only a slight chance of a shower or thunderstorm, so the week ends warmer but not completely quiet.