70s and sunshine return Tuesday ahead of Wednesday soaking
Tuesday will be a nice day as people head to the polls for primary elections. The clouds should move out by lunchtime, and we'll see highs in the mid 70s.
"Clouds are going to clear before lunchtime," said WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner. "Sunshine returns and temperatures will be in the mid 70s."
Rain arrives Wednesday morning, with the heaviest rain before noon or 1 p.m., according to Gardner. After 1 p.m., on Wednesday, there could be a scattered shower.
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- Tuesday: Mostly sunny and warmer for Super Tuesday. High of 75 degrees.
- Rain, storms possible on Wednesday: Rain showers will be heaviest Wednesday morning. While storms are possible, it doesn't look like those will be severe. High in the mid 60s.
- Thursday: Mostly clear. High in the low 70s.
Warm spring weather on tap
The first day of spring is two weeks away, but warmer-than-normal highs will persist throughout the week.
Tuesday will be dry and warm as you head to the polls. We will have a decrease in the clouds and it will be warmer with a high of 75, well above normal temperatures.
While warm, it won't best our warmest March 5, which was 83 degrees in 1967.
Highs will be in the 60s and low 70s for the remainder of the week.
Widespread rain on the way Wednesday
Our better rain chances this week arrive Wednesday morning.
Rain is expected to move in Wednesday morning and stick around for the first half of the day, with rain becoming more scattered by 1 p.m.
Rain and storms will be widespread Wednesday, but severe weather is not expected. A rumble of thunder will be possible throughout the entire day.
"We could have a few isolated rumbles of thunder, but do not expect severe weather," said WRAL meteorologist Aimee Wilmoth.
Temperatures this week will remain well above normal with highs in the upper 60s and low 70s.
We'll have a strong chance for rain Friday night and into Saturday.
Saturday will be our next potential for a soaking, when a more vigorous system moves through. WRAL meteorologists are monitoring the system's severe weather potential.
Sunday will be the best day to get outdoors this weekend, with highs in the mid 60s and mostly sunny skies. We're also starting to see the effects of pollen season, with tree pollen being the biggest culprit.
7-day forecast for central NC
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny and warmer. High of 75.
- Wednesday: Rain likely. Thunderstorms possible. High of 66.
- Thursday: Mostly clear. High of 72.
- Friday: Partly cloudy skies and mild. High of 68.
- Saturday: Overcast with rain showers at times. High of 66.
- Sunday: Isolated morning showers. Dry day with highs in the low 60s.
- Monday: Mostly clear. High of 56 degrees.
Winter 2023-24 passes without snow for Raleigh
This winter was a disappointment for snow lovers.
For the first time in recorded history, no snow was reported at RDU – not even a trace! Records go back to 1887.
It's been more than two full years – 763 days – since there has been any measurable snow (Jan. 29, 2022 saw .4 inches) at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. This is the third-longest snow drought on record at RDU.
Wilmoth said winter 2023-24 was warm (tied for the fourth warmest on record) and wet. Although moisture has been in place, it never lined up with any cold snaps.
March 1 marks the beginning of meteorological spring, pushing the likelihood for a snowfall this season even further down the charts.
There have been 12 other winters with no measurable snow, but they still had a trace at RDU.
Eyes on the sky for 2024 total solar eclipse
April 8 is the date of the next total solar eclipse for North America. We won't see a total eclipse in North Carolina, but lots of people will travel to take it in! Ohio will be the closest spot to drive to from Raleigh for the path of totality.
