Raleigh is waking up mostly clear and sticky Thursday, with temperatures around 75°F near Raleigh-Durham International Airport and plenty of humidity already in the air. The city should climb to about 90°F before a chance of showers and thunderstorms arrives after 2 p.m., giving outdoor plans a familiar summer asterisk.
Storm Chances Arrive After 2 P.M.
Thursday’s rain chance is 30%, and most spots should stay dry, but any storm that does form could bring a brief heavy downpour. The National Weather Service in Raleigh says isolated to scattered storms are expected mainly during the afternoon and evening through the middle of next week, with localized urban flooding possible from slow-moving cells, especially across western areas through Saturday. National Weather Service Raleigh says no widespread severe weather or major flooding concerns are expected.
Tonight should be partly cloudy with a low near 73°F. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms hangs on before 8 p.m., then the odds drop, so evening plans may get a brief interruption rather than an all-night washout. No watches or warnings are in effect for Raleigh.
Heat Builds Through Tuesday
Friday and Saturday will both reach near 91°F, with only a slight storm chance after 2 p.m.; Friday’s heat index could hit 103°F. Sunday rises to 93°F, Monday to 94°F and Tuesday to 95°F under sunny skies, while Wednesday remains hot near 94°F with another slight afternoon storm chance.
Plan For Muggy Mornings And Brief Downpours
Southwest winds stay light, generally 3 to 8 mph, so they will not do much to knock down the heat. For Raleigh residents, the practical forecast is simple: get outdoor errands done earlier, keep water handy and watch the sky after lunch through the weekend, when a storm could turn a dry sidewalk into a slick commute in minutes.
