Raleigh is starting Monday with mostly clear skies and temperatures near 70 degrees, but patchy fog could linger before 9 a.m. The haze should clear quickly, giving way to a sunny afternoon and a high near 94, with almost no rain expected.
Heat Peaks Tuesday Through Thursday
The heat ramps up Tuesday, when Raleigh is forecast to reach 96 degrees and the heat index could climb to 104. Wednesday should hit 98, followed by a possible 100-degree high Thursday, with light southwest winds offering little relief.
The National Weather Service expects the most oppressive stretch Wednesday and Thursday, when heat index values could reach 105 to 109 in Raleigh and areas to the south and east. Outdoor work and strenuous activities will be more manageable early or later in the day.
Storm Chances Return Friday
Friday stays hot near 96 degrees, but showers and thunderstorms become more likely, with a 40% chance beginning after 8 a.m. That chance continues into Friday night, giving the region its first meaningful break from the dry, sunny pattern.
Cooler Labor Day Weekend Ahead
Saturday brings a high near 91 and a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Sunday should be noticeably cooler, topping out near 86 with only a slight chance of early showers or storms, while overnight lows fall to around 69 Saturday and 65 Sunday.
The current outlook lists no watches, warnings or advisories for Raleigh. Monday's mostly clear start is just the opening act for a week that moves from summer heat to a more comfortable Labor Day weekend.
