Friday mild, pleasant ahead of severe storms, heavy rain on Saturday
Friday will be pleasant and mild, with temps in the mid-60s – a great day to enjoy some time outdoors before the rain and storms arrive Saturday.
Saturday is a WRAL Weather Alert Day, with parts of the state under a level 1 or level 2 risk for severe weather.
The biggest threats will be damaging wind and isolated tornadoes. Localized flooding is also a concern.
Rain is likely for at least the first half of the day, with some severe storms moving through in the late afternoon and evening.
Track rain with the DualDoppler5000 | Live cams in NC | Weather alerts
- Friday: A mix of sun and clouds with highs in the mid 60s.
- Saturday: A WRAL Weather Alert Day. Rain is likely. High of 64.
- Sunday: Breezy, mostly sunny with highs in the low 60s.
WRAL Weather Alert Day: Storms, tornadoes possible Saturday
A WRAL Weather Alert Day has been issued for Saturday. The day starts with heavy rain and ends with potential for severe storms.
Rain will begin Saturday morning around midnight for much of central NC.
Current models show the heaviest rain falling between 6 a.m. and noon in the Triangle. Much of the viewing area will have a medium risk for flooding.
"Then we get a bit of a break," said WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner. "But around 6 or 7 p.m., another line develops."
The evening storms carry the highest risk of severe weather. There's a Level 1 severe risk for much of central NC, and there's a Level 2 risk for Fayetteville and areas south.
Tornadoes will be possible, but the biggest impacts are going to be heavy rain, gusty winds and some storms.
For Battle Of The Blues , some storms are possible, but some models have the activity east of Durham by the time the game starts.
Sunday will be dry and the better day for outdoor activities. Both weekend days will feature highs in the 60s.
"Rain and storms move out Saturday night with a slightly cooler and much quieter air mass into Sunday and next week," Wilmoth said. "It will also be breezy to close out the weekend."
Rainfall to start 2024 above normal in some areas
We have a surplus of rain at RDU, with 7.7 inches of rain, a surplus of .72 inches. Rain totals in Fayetteville, however, are at a slight deficit at 6.01 inches of rain.
Fayetteville will have plenty of chances to get more rain, as WRAL meteorologists expect above average rainfall for meteorological spring.
"During the same period, it's expected to be warmer than normal," Maze said. "I don't [expect] drought conditions to be an issue this spring."
7-day forecast for central NC
- Friday: Dry with a high of 65.
- Saturday: Rain and storms likely. High of 66.
- Sunday: Dry and clear day. High of 60.
- Monday: Clear and cooler. High near 62.
- Tuesday: 69 degrees and sunny.
- Wednesday: Mostly Clear. High of 73.
- Thursday: Mainly sunny. High 77.
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.
