WRAL Weather Alert Day: Widespread morning rain, severe weather risk shifts east
Saturday is a WRAL Weather Alert Day, with parts of the state under a Level 1 or Level 2 risk for severe weather.
Rain is likely for at least the first half of the day, with some severe storms possible in the late afternoon and evening.
The severe weather threat has decreased significantly.
"The latest models are suggesting that the bulk of severe weather threats will be concentrated in South Carolina and toward the eastern coast," WRAL meteorologist Mike Maze said. "As a result, it's unlikely that we'll experience severe weather in the Triangle area."
Rain will be widespread in the morning with a 100% chance through at least 10 a.m. and then chances drop off after that.
"As we head into the lunch hour, we begin to see dryer conditions," said WRAL meteorologist Peta Sheerwood.
After a small break, there's a possibility for a line of storms to form sometime between 3 and 7 p.m. However, it looks to form east of the Triangle area -- if it forms at all.
Track rain with the DualDoppler5000 | Live cams in NC | Weather alerts
- Saturday: A WRAL Weather Alert Day. Rain is likely. High of 64.
- Sunday: Breezy, mostly sunny with highs in the low 60s.
- Monday: Sunny. High near 60.
Weather for Sunday
Sunday is windy and cool along with a huge drop in humidity. Winds could gust 30-35 mph.
Sunday will be the better day for outdoor activities.
Monday starts off cold in the 30s and stays cool in the afternoon with highs in the 60s.
"As of right now all next week looks sunny and dry with increasing warmth...starting with the 60s on Monday and then ending with 80 on Friday!" Maze said.
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
- 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.
- Friday: Cloudy with occasional rain showers. High 74
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.
