Raleigh starts Saturday under mostly cloudy skies near 73 degrees, with a brief shower chance this morning before storm chances build later in the day. The bigger weather story is waiting just beyond the weekend: a long, increasingly dangerous heat stretch is set to push temperatures toward 100 degrees across the region.
Storm Chances Build Saturday Afternoon
A slight chance of showers is possible between 9 and 11 a.m., followed by a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms through the afternoon. Raleigh should reach about 85 degrees, with light east winds of 1 to 6 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
The broader central North Carolina forecast puts the better storm coverage south and east of the Triad, but Raleigh could still see a slow-moving downpour. Isolated pockets of heavy rain are possible, while the overall risk of severe weather remains low.
Sunday Offers A Drier Outdoor Window
Storm chances should fade Saturday evening, with only a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 p.m. Saturday night will stay mostly cloudy with a low near 70, while Sunday turns partly sunny and warmer near 89 degrees with little chance of rain.
The updated outlook follows Friday’s storm forecast but narrows the wet-weather window before the heat takes over. Friday’s Hoodline forecast also flagged the coming heat surge, while the latest update sharpens the timing for the weekend reset.
September Starts With A Serious Heat Surge
Monday is forecast to reach 95 degrees, followed by highs near 98 on Tuesday and Wednesday, 99 on Thursday and 97 on Friday. Skies should remain mostly sunny through much of the stretch, with rain chances staying low until slight storm chances return Thursday and Friday afternoons.
Heat indices could climb into the lower to middle 100s from Tuesday through Friday, while overnight lows only fall into the lower and middle 70s. No watches, warnings or advisories are currently posted, but anyone working or exercising outside should plan for water, shade and regular cooling breaks during the hottest part of the day.
