Raleigh is waking Monday under mostly cloudy, muggy skies, with temperatures in the mid-70s before a high near 86. The day starts relatively quiet, but showers and thunderstorms may develop after 1 p.m., turning the afternoon into a keep-one-eye-on-the-sky situation.
Afternoon Storms Could Bring Brief Flooding
Monday's rain chance is 40%, and any storm that forms could produce a quick, heavy downpour. The National Weather Service Raleigh says a storm could drop 1 to 2 inches of rain in an hour, raising the possibility of isolated flooding if cells move slowly or repeatedly cross the same area. The forecast package lists no watches or warnings.
Southwest winds should stay light at around 7 mph. Monday night remains mostly cloudy, with a low near 71 and a 40% chance of additional showers and thunderstorms, including overnight chances; new rainfall totals could reach a tenth to a quarter of an inch.
Tuesday Looks Wetter Than Monday
Tuesday brings a cooler high near 82 but a much better chance of rain, around 70%. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to become more widespread from early afternoon into the evening, with a quarter to half an inch possible. Slow-moving storms could create a somewhat higher risk of localized flooding across the Raleigh area.
Heat Returns For The Rest Of The Week
Wednesday rebounds to 87 with an 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms, including rain before 11 a.m. and storms later in the day. Thursday through Sunday look hotter, with highs near 89 each day and partly sunny breaks, but afternoon or evening showers and thunderstorms remain possible, with rain chances ranging from 30% to 50%.
For Raleigh residents, the practical game plan is simple: keep outdoor plans flexible Monday and Tuesday, avoid driving through standing water, and bring in anything that could be blown around if a storm arrives. Even without an active advisory, heavy rain can make roads hazardous quickly.
