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While chance of severe weather decreases, some storms are possible in the afternoon
Raleigh, N.C. — If you have any outdoor plans this weekend, you may want to grab an umbrella or stay inside. While decreasing, there’s a risk for severe storms in central North Carolina.
Saturday will be mostly dry and warm before 3 p.m., according to WRAL meteorologist Peta Sherwood.
A cold front moving in from the west will spark showers and thunderstorms in the southeast and near the coast.
“We are going to see clouds gradually race out of here, especially as we head into the overnight hours,” Sheerwood said.
On Friday afternoon, the severe weather threat shifted east. The only locations in central North Carolina that remain under the Level 1 threat is Sampson and Wayne counties.
Storms should move out of southeast North Carolina by 5 p.m.
“You’re going to feel the humidity today as we do have temperatures surging,” Sheerwood said.
Temperatures are expected to reach 82 degrees on Saturday, which is the warmest day we’ve seen in a while.
WRAL meteorologist Mike Maze said he “doubts” that there will be any severe weather in the Triangle on Saturday. Damaging wind gusts, hail and heavy rain are all possible for communities on the coast under the Level 2 risk.
“Here in the Triangle, I think we have too much dry air in the mid-levels to help storms form. Thunderstorms don’t like dry air in the mid-levels,” Maze said.
Outside of any thunderstorms, winds could gust up to 45 miles per hour.
The storms will be gone by Sunday, which is the first day of spring. The day will be breezy and cooler with temperatures in the mid 60s.
Wondering if it’s okay to start planting? Temperatures will stay spring-like for a while. WRAL meteorologist Aimee Wilmoth said there’s no indication 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.
