Raleigh is starting Sunday in fog and mist near 72 degrees, but the gray opening is a brief prelude to a much hotter week. Skies should turn partly sunny, with a high near 89 and only a small chance of rain. By midweek, the forecast reaches 100 degrees, with heat index values potentially climbing into the dangerous 105-to-110 range.
Fog Fades Before A Mostly Dry Sunday
Low clouds and fog are expected to hang around through the mid-to-late morning before daytime heating breaks them up. The National Weather Service Raleigh forecast calls for light east winds, a high near 89, and a 10% chance of rain, with any thunderstorms more likely confined to far southeastern North Carolina than Raleigh.
Sunday night turns partly cloudy, with temperatures slipping to around 71 and a light south wind. There are no watches, warnings or advisories posted for the Raleigh forecast area in the current report, making Sunday the relatively easy day to get outside before the heat takes over.
Monday Starts The Heat Climb
Monday should be sunny and hotter, topping out near 94 with a heat index around 100. Tuesday rises to 98, then Wednesday reaches 100 under sunny skies, while overnight lows remain in the mid-70s and offer limited relief.
The latest outlook is a significant shift from the storm-focused Saturday forecast covered by Hoodline. Rain chances now look limited across Raleigh as a stubborn ridge brings a hotter and drier start to September.
Thursday And Friday Bring Triple-Digit Heat Indexes
The most concerning stretch arrives Wednesday through Friday, when the National Weather Service Raleigh says heat index values could reach 105 to 110 and heat advisories are likely. Thursday may hit 101, with a slight chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m., while Friday stays near 99 with a 40% chance of storms after 2 p.m.
Weekend Storm Chances Return Slightly
Saturday cools to around 93 but remains hot, with a 30% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Outdoor plans will be easiest earlier in the day, but anyone working or exercising outside should plan for water, shade and frequent cooling breaks as the heat builds.
