Triangle under Level 1 risk for severe weather as cold front approaches

By Alfred Charles, WRAL.com managing editor

Raleigh, N.C. — Central North Carolina, including the Triangle, are under a Level 1 risk for severe weather Monday afternoon as a cold front approaches the region.

WRAL meteorologist Mike Maze said the front could bring downpours, gusty winds and lightning as the system makes its way through the state.

“A cold front is coming and that could trigger the storms,” he said.

Maze said the risk of severe weather extends from Monday afternoon to overnight.

The other big weather development is a weather system moving toward the Gulf of Mexico that could turn into something tropical later this week, according to WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner.

“It doesn’t look like we’re going to see it for the next 24 to 48 hours, but by the middle or end of this week, there’s certainly a good chance that we’ll have a tropical system,” Gardner said.

There is a 80 percent chance that the system, currently in the Gulf, will become tropical in the next five days. If the system forms, it will be named Barry. The Gulf Coast area will need to pay attention since it could bring lots of rain and wind to the area. It’s likely to turn west and impact Louisiana and maybe Texas.

Even if Barry develops, North Carolina would not be affected by it.

Monday and the entire week will be steamy and hot, with highs in the upper 80s and low 90s each day and a chance for scattered summer thunderstorms each afternoon.

The greatest chance for rain is on Monday after lunchtime, when heavy rain and blustery winds are possible.

“But we don’t expect to see any severe weather,” said Gardner.

Tuesday, Wednesday and the rest of the week have a smaller chance for rain and storms.