Temperatures getting warmer, but flooding a major concern this week

By Peta Sheerwood, WRAL meteorologist

Raleigh, N.C. — After a colder weekend, temperatures will climb throughout the work week — but with more rain in the forecast, flooding is a concern in central North Carolina.

According to WRAL meteorologist Peta Sheerwood, Sunday will be dry, brisk and sunny, but rain will return for the work week.

There will be a 20 percent chance for rain Monday and a 60 percent chance for Tuesday. With temperatures in the upper 60s both days, highs will be more than 10 degrees warmer than they were on Sunday, which will be in the mid 50s.

The mild weather will be pleasant, but new rain combined with the totals from last week’s storms is the concern for areas like Smithfield, where residents are waiting for Neuse River levels to recede, and Rocky Mount, where an overflowing sewer drain threatens the Tar River.

Sheerwood said the rain will be heavy at times, with downpours possible, especially Monday night and for the first half of Tuesday.

“Anywhere from 1-3 inches of rain could fall by Wednesday,” said Sheerwood. “We cannot let our guard down as we get further into next week.”

According to Sheerwood, counties west of the Triangle will see the most rain, and that’s where flooding concerns are the highest. Excessive rain in Alabama, Louisiana and Georgia will also pose a risk for flooding outside North Carolina.

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By Wednesday, we will get a short break from the rain as temperatures fall into the lower 60s. “I think Wednesday will be the day we don’t see a lot of rain from the system,” Sheerwood said.

The chance for heavy rain returns Thursday, which could be one of the warmest days of the week, with a high around 69 degrees in Raleigh and a 60 percent chance for precipitation. By Friday, rain chances will drop, and the weekend will be brisk and sunny.