Raleigh Braces for Friday Storms as 100-Degree September Heat Wave Looms

Raleigh woke Friday to cloudy skies, calm winds and temperatures around 72 degrees at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. The quiet start will give way to a stormier afternoon, with another round of heavy rain possible before a major heat surge arrives next week.

Showers could begin around noon, followed by a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms through the afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service. Raleigh is expected to reach about 87 degrees, with southwest winds near 3 mph and rainfall totals generally between a tenth and a quarter-inch.

Friday's Storm Risk Includes Heavy Downpours

The slow-moving storms could drop much heavier rain in isolated spots, creating localized flooding concerns. A few storms may also produce damaging wind gusts, although there are no watches, warnings or advisories in effect Friday morning.

The best chance for storms arrives from afternoon into early evening, then remains possible tonight before gradually easing after 4 a.m. Friday night will stay mostly cloudy, with a low near 69 and another 50% chance of rain; some areas could pick up a half-inch to three-quarters of an inch.

Saturday Stays Unsettled Before A Brief Break

Saturday looks cooler, with a high near 84, but it will not be a washout-free reset. Showers may pop up during the morning before thunderstorms become likely in the afternoon and evening, with a 60% chance of precipitation.

Sunday brings a warmer 88-degree afternoon and only a 20% chance of showers or thunderstorms. By Monday, Raleigh should turn sunny and reach about 93 degrees, setting up a much hotter stretch for the start of September.

Midweek Heat Could Push Into The 100s

Forecast highs climb to 95 degrees Tuesday, 97 Wednesday and 98 Thursday, with mostly sunny skies and only limited rain chances. Heat indexes could reach the lower to middle 100s Wednesday and Thursday across much of central North Carolina, and forecasters say heat advisories may eventually be needed in parts of the region.

Raleigh's heat-safety guidance recommends drinking plenty of water, wearing lightweight clothing and checking on people who may be more vulnerable to heat illness. Residents can also check Wake County for cooling-center locations if extreme heat conditions develop.