Threat for severe weather returns on Thursday

By WRAL Severe Weather Center

Raleigh, N.C. — Temperatures will be pleasant over the next seven days, but rain and storms are likely later in the week.

Wednesday will be another cloudy and mild day, with a high around 69 degrees, but some rain will be likely by the afternoon. Showers could begin around 2 or 3 p.m. for the Sandhills and during the evening commute in the Triangle.

“It’s not all that likely we’re going to see the rain until Wednesday evening,” said WRAL meteorologist Mike Maze.

The best chance for rain will be Wednesday night and Thursday morning. Much of central and eastern North Carolina will be under a Level 1 risk for severe weather Thursday morning.

Maze said showers and storms will come to life around 4 a.m. — which will be the time period when there could be an isolated severe storm, isolated, damaging wind gust or hail. 

Thursday will also be one of the coolest days of the week, with a high around 65 degrees.

“During the afternoon for St. Patrick’s Day — very small chance that there will be any rain,” said Maze.

Friday will be gorgeous with a high in the mid 70s and more sunshine. Rain is not expected again until Saturday morning.

Apart from Saturday morning, the weekend should be dry and comfortable, with highs in the upper 60s and low 70s.

Things will stay spring-like for a while. WRAL meteorologist Aimee Wilmoth says there’s no shots of cold air like we saw last weekend on any forecast models. That said, it’s important to remember our average last freeze comes in mid-April.

Our normal high temperature for this time of year is 62 degrees, so the entire week will be warmer than usual.