Raleigh is starting Thursday, August 27, with mostly clear skies and temperatures near 72°F, but the calm opening will give way to a warmer, stormier afternoon. The high is expected to reach about 88°F, with humidity adding to the late-summer feel.
Afternoon Storms Could Interrupt Thursday Plans
Showers and thunderstorms may develop after 1 p.m., with a 30% chance of rain and a few pockets of heavy downpours possible. Winds will stay fairly light from the south at 1 to 6 mph, so there will not be much breeze to break up the heat, according to the National Weather Service.
Tonight will remain mostly cloudy, with a 30% chance of additional showers or thunderstorms before 2 a.m. The low should settle near 72°F, making for a warm and muggy night.
Friday Looks Like The Stormiest Day
Showers and thunderstorms are likely after 11 a.m. Friday, when Raleigh could see a high near 87°F and a 60% chance of rain. Some storms may produce brief heavy rain, and rainfall totals could reach a quarter to half an inch in spots.
Friday night stays unsettled, with another 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms and a low around 71°F. The National Weather Service says a few stronger storms are possible Friday, so outdoor plans may need a backup option.
Weekend Rain Eases Before Heat Returns
Saturday brings mostly cloudy skies, a high near 86°F and a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunday should be brighter and warmer near 89°F, with only a slight chance of a late-day storm.
Mid-90s Arrive Early Next Week
Sunny weather takes over Monday, with a high near 94°F, followed by highs around 96°F on Tuesday and Wednesday. Rain chances stay low during that stretch, meaning the combination of strong sun and heat will matter more than storm timing.
No watches, warnings or advisories are posted for Raleigh in the current forecast. For the next few days, the practical plan is simple: keep rain gear nearby Thursday and Friday, then save extra water and shade for the hotter start to September.
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