Raleigh is waking to clear skies and temperatures around 75 degrees Saturday, but the easy start will not last. The Capital City is headed for a high near 98, with the heat index reaching about 103 before thunderstorms become a real possibility late in the day.
Heat Peaks Before Storms Move In
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, Saturday should stay mostly sunny through early afternoon, with showers and thunderstorms possible from 3 to 5 p.m. and more likely after 5 p.m. Winds will stay light from the northwest at 2 to 6 mph, and a quarter to half-inch of rain is possible in spots.
The latest update is a substantive change from Friday's Raleigh forecast, which focused on a 99-degree Friday and nighttime storms. For Saturday, forecasters say stronger storms could bring damaging wind gusts, so outdoor plans should leave room for a quick change of plans.
The current Raleigh forecast zone is not among the areas listed for Saturday's Heat Advisory, which covers parts of the southern Piedmont, Sandhills, and southern and central Coastal Plain. Even so, a 98-degree afternoon with a heat index above 100 is enough reason to limit strenuous activity during the hottest hours, drink water, and take breaks in shade or air conditioning.
Sunday Cools Down, But Stays Unsettled
Saturday night remains stormy at first, with showers and thunderstorms likely before 8 p.m. and additional chances lingering overnight as temperatures fall to about 72. Sunday turns noticeably cooler, topping out near 84 with a 50% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
Labor Day Monday looks like the cleaner outdoor window: mostly sunny and near 84, followed by a low around 64. Tuesday should stay sunny near 85, Wednesday warms to 89, and another 96-degree day is expected Thursday.
For anyone with weekend plans, the best bet is to get outdoor work done early Saturday and keep a weather alert handy from midafternoon onward. If thunder is audible, move indoors; the cooler air arrives Sunday, but the storm risk does not disappear completely.
