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Damaging wind gusts, hail possible on Saturday during Level 1 risk for severe weather
Raleigh, N.C. — After a hot week of temperatures reaching near record highs for this time of year, Memorial Day weekend will usher in cooler temperatures – but also rain and storms.
WRAL meteorologist Kat Campbell said big changes are in store for the weekend.
“We have rain and storm chances coming back and a huge temperature dip,” said Campbell.
Parts of central North Carolina will be under a Level 1 risk for severe weather on Saturday, with a 50 percent chance for storms.
Damaging wind gusts, small hail and lightning will be the biggest threats for Saturday’s storms.
Thunderstorms will begin developing around lunchtime, and will become more widespread as we head into the evening.
“The other threat we’re concerned about on Saturday is at the coast,” said Campbell.
There will either be a high or moderate rip current risk at almost all beaches along the coast.
“The entire coast is seeing at least some concern for rip current,” said Campbell, adding that those heading to the beach should pay close attention to flags.
Once we get to Sunday, the weather will be a much different picture, according to Campbell.
“We’re not looking at thunderstorms, but there is the potentially for some patchy, light rain and overcast skies are likely,” she added.
The overcast skies will limit our temperatures, with highs in the lower 60s.
Luckily, Memorial Day is looking nice!
“All of this is likely to clear out of here and we’re left with mostly sunny skies,” said Campbell.
Temperatures will be in the upper 70s on Monday.
“[There will be] nice weather at the coast, as well,” said Campbell.
Drought continues
More than 80% of North Carolina is now in a moderate drought or experiencing abnormally dry conditions.
“We have had less than 5 inches of rain in Raleigh this meteorological spring, which means we are on track for the record-driest spring,” said Campbell. “We need some rain and we have increasing rain chances this weekend, but it is unlikely to provide large-scale relief from the drought.”
Due to the drought, a burn ban is in effect for 26 North Carolina counties as we head into the holiday weekend.
