RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — After a cloudy, wet and cool start to the week in central North Carolina, severe weather is now in the forecast Thursday and Friday.
The severe threat Friday is big enough that CBS 17 has declared a weather Alert Day for central North Carolina.
The warming trend that started Wednesday will continue the rest of the week and that, along with an approaching cold front, will contribute to the severe weather threat.
Before the Alert Day Friday, Thursday will have another chance of showers and storms. There is a small chance of rain in the morning Thursday and then a better chance in the afternoon and evening. The rain later in the day also comes with a level 1 risk of severe weather with damaging wind the most likely threat. The rain chance Thursday is only 40%.
A strong cold front is expected by Friday night and a bigger risk of severe weather is forecast. The Storm Prediction Center put central North Carolina in a level 2 ‘slight risk’ on Friday later in the afternoon and evening. The most likely threats Friday are damaging wind and even an isolated tornado. Before the storms later Friday, there could be a few non-severe showers Friday morning. The showers Friday morning could stabilize the atmosphere later in the day and reduce the severe weather threat.
Please stay weather aware and stay tuned for updates.
A few lingering showers are possible on Saturday, but most of the weekend will be dry. Expect near-normal highs in the lower 80s with higher humidity. Next week is also looking mostly dry with highs eventually in the 90s.
Follow the CBS 17 Storm Team on social media for the latest weather updates:
Chief Meteorologist Wes Hohenstein: Twitter, Facebook & Instagram
Morning Meteorologist Laura Smith: Twitter & Facebook
Meteorologist Rachel Duensing: Twitter, Facebook & Instagram
Meteorologist Lance Blocker: Twitter & Facebook
Meteorologist Dave Downey: Twitter, Facebook, & Instagram
This forecast was prepared by the CBS 17 Storm Team and is based on the latest information available and years of weather forecasting in North Carolina. It was not produced by a computer like many forecasts you find on the web, social media and smart phone apps.
