Widespread rain today, Level 3 risk for severe weather later this week

By WRAL Severe Weather Center

Expect widespread rain on Tuesday then an elevated chance for severe weather later this week.

According to WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner, the Tuesday morning commute will be messy, and rain will continue to fall through the afternoon, likely heavy at times. With a high only in the mid 40s, it will be the coolest day of the week.

Wednesday will be almost 20 degrees warmer and mostly dry, with a high in the mid 60s and partly cloudy skies. A stray shower is possible, but it won’t be a wet day.

On Thursday, much of North Carolina, including the Triangle, is under a Level 3 risk for severe weather. The Storm Prediction Center is asking people to prepare for potential hail, locally damaging winds and even several tornadoes, which could be strong.

Thursday will also be the warmest day of the week, with a high over 70 degrees.

“Our biggest threat (on Thursday) will be wind damage, but tornadoes won’t be out of the question,” said Gardner.

There is a 30 percent chance for rain on Friday, and highs will stay around 60 degrees. The weekend looks mostly sunny and dry but colder, with highs in the mid to upper 50s for both Saturday and Sunday.