Light rain was reported at Raleigh-Durham International Airport at 11:51 a.m., with a temperature of 62 degrees, the National Weather Service’s observation showed. Showers and possibly a thunderstorm are forecast before 3 p.m., followed by a chance of showers through 4 p.m.; the high is near 70, with temperatures falling into the low 60s by late afternoon, the Raleigh point forecast says. Skies should clear tonight.
Storms Could Bring Heavy Rain And Damaging Winds
The latest outlook calls for rainfall of 0.25 to 1 inch across central North Carolina, with localized totals of 1 to 2.5 inches possible, especially along the U.S. 1 corridor, the National Weather Service’s Raleigh forecast discussion says. By 10:31 a.m., radar indicated that 1 to 2 inches had already fallen in parts of the central Triangle warning area, with another 1 to 2 inches possible, the NWS alert details show. Showers and embedded storms are expected through late afternoon.
The severe-weather risk remains marginal and includes Raleigh and the Triangle, with damaging winds the primary concern and a brief tornado still possible, the National Weather Service’s latest discussion says. A Flash Flood Warning is in effect for central Wake County and parts of Durham and Chatham counties until 1:30 p.m.; a Flood Advisory covering Wake County and nearby areas runs until 1 p.m., the NWS alert page lists.
Raleigh’s flood-monitoring system uses stream gauges, cameras and roadside signs to track rising water and road flooding. The city also advises drivers to heed closures and detours during flash floods, when water can collect in low-lying areas and poor-drainage spots. Those tools are especially relevant as storms move across the Triangle and rainfall rates can outpace drainage systems, the city’s severe-weather guidance explains.
Clear Skies Return For A Cooler Weekend
Rain chances drop sharply after Friday afternoon as winds turn northwest and skies clear. Friday night should fall to around 50 degrees, followed by a sunny Saturday with a high near 62 and a mostly clear Saturday night near 40.
Hoodline's Thursday forecast already flagged Friday as the week's wettest day, but the latest outlook sharpens the timing and expands the severe-weather concern west into Raleigh and the Triangle. Sunday stays sunny near 64, with dry weather expected into Tuesday.
Thunderstorms are possible in North Carolina even outside the spring and summer peak. Raleigh’s preparedness guidance says the state typically has 40 to 50 thunderstorm days a year, and about 10% of thunderstorms meet the definition of severe: producing hail at least an inch wide, winds of 58 mph or stronger, or a tornado. The city lists those thresholds as part of its severe-weather information.
