North Carolina Weather Alert: Showers Fade, Sunshine Returns Thursday in Raleigh With Weekend Heat Ahead
RALEIGH, N.C. — Triangle residents should prepare for a damp and cloudy start to Wednesday, but meteorologists say the wet weather will not last. By Thursday, sunshine returns to Raleigh, Cary, and Durham, setting the stage for a warm, dry weekend across central North Carolina.
Wet Morning Commute Before Skies Clear
The National Weather Service in Raleigh forecasts a 30% chance of showers through mid-morning Wednesday, making for slick roads on I-40, I-440, and U.S. 1 during the rush hour commute.
Motorists are advised to slow down, keep headlights on, and allow extra time for travel. The light rain will taper off by midday, and skies should gradually clear with afternoon highs in the mid-70s.
Wednesday night will bring partly cloudy skies and comfortable lows in the low 60s, offering a brief cool-down before conditions heat back up.
Sunshine and Rising Temperatures
By Thursday, drier air and northwest winds will move in, allowing sunshine to dominate the region. Temperatures are forecast to reach 85 degrees, with humidity levels staying moderate, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities.
On Friday, the heat ramps up, with highs pushing close to 90 degrees across Wake County and surrounding areas. Meteorologists caution that the combination of higher temperatures and drier air may contribute to air quality concerns, particularly for those sensitive to ozone levels.
Weekend Outlook: Warm and Dry
The weekend forecast looks favorable for outdoor plans across the Triangle:
- Thursday: Sunny, high 85, low 64
- Friday: Sunny, high 89, low 64
- Saturday: Sunny, high 86, low 64
- Sunday: Sunny, high 82, low 64
- Monday: Sunny, high 81, low 65
Forecasters expect mostly uninterrupted sunshine, with only slight cooling by Sunday. Outdoor gatherings, sports events, and early fall festivals should all benefit from the extended stretch of dry conditions.
Seasonal Transition and Caution
Even as clear skies return, officials remind residents that late September remains an unpredictable weather period. Quick-moving fronts or shifts in wind patterns can still produce sudden rain showers. While no watches or warnings are currently in place, the National Weather Service will continue to monitor changing conditions.
Are you planning to enjoy Raleigh’s warm and sunny weekend, or will you be avoiding the heat? Share your plans and tips for staying cool in the comments at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
