Damaging winds and hail possible during risk for severe weather on Monday

Raleigh, N.C. — After a weekend full of sunshine, rain returns to central North Carolina for the start of the week.

“This is going to kick off a much more unsettled weather pattern,” said WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner. “We’re going to have a better chance for rain.”

The best chance for rain on Monday will be midday through the afternoon. Some of Monday’s storms could become strong to severe with the biggest potential being damaging winds.

“We get into that daytime heating and that tends to destabilize the atmosphere even more,” Gardner said.

Most of central North Carolina is under a Level 1 risk for severe weather on Monday. Moore and Hoke counties are under a Level 2 threat.

“There could also be some small hail,” said WRAL meteorologist Zach Maloch.

Highs on Monday will be in the low 80s.

Tuesday and Wednesday will also have rain chances, primarily in the afternoon.

“The mornings could see a few small showers,” said Maloch.

Currently, there is not a risk for severe weather on Wednesday, but that could change based on a cold front moving through the area.

Thursday will be drier, but it won’t last long.

Again, rain chances will be back on Friday.

“A quick-moving system will bring some showers our way by Friday,” said Maloch. “We could see a few early morning showers but the better rain chances arrives Friday afternoon and evening.”

Central North Carolina is abnormally dry, so we do need the rain. Rain totals over the next 5 days will be hit-or miss.

“In all, we could see upwards of an inch of rain with everyone getting a bit here and there,” said Maloch.

The good news is that the weekend looks drier, according to Maloch.