North Carolina, get ready for a windy and rainy night ahead! A strong cold front is pushing through, bringing gusty winds, scattered showers, and even a few rumbles of thunder late Thursday into early Friday. While this isn’t a major storm, it could make travel a little tricky, send trash cans flying, and bring a wet start to Friday morning.
Thursday Night: Rain Moves In, Winds Pick Up
The evening hours will start off calm enough, but don’t let that fool you. By 8 PM, rain will start creeping in from the west, and gusty winds will start making their presence known.
Rain Timing:
- Western NC (Asheville, Boone): Showers begin around 6-8 PM.
- Central NC (Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro): Rain picks up between 8-10 PM.
- Eastern NC (Wilmington, Outer Banks): Showers arrive closer to 10 PM-midnight.
Wind Speeds:
- Expect steady winds between 10-20 mph across the state.
- Gusts could reach 30-40 mph, especially in the mountains and along the coast.
- Heads up: If you have loose outdoor furniture, lightweight decorations, or trash bins outside—secure them before sunset!
Thunderstorms? Maybe.
- Most of this will be just rain, but a few isolated thunderstorms could pop up, mainly in the central and western parts of the state.
- No major severe weather expected, but brief heavy rain, small hail, and stronger wind gusts are possible.
Friday: A Wet Morning, Then Sunshine Returns
If you’re heading out early Friday, plan for a damp start to the day. Showers will linger through the morning before clearing out.
When will the rain stop?
- Western NC: Rain tapers off around 4-6 AM.
- Central NC: Showers clear out between 7-9 AM.
- Eastern NC: Expect lingering rain until 9-11 AM.
Temperatures:
- Morning: Mild, in the mid-50s.
- Afternoon: Highs in the low 60s, cooling off into the 40s by evening.
Wind Update:
- Winds stay breezy in the morning, but by the afternoon, things will calm down.
- Expect gusts of 20-25 mph in the morning, easing below 15 mph by evening.
How to Prepare Before the Rain Hits
Secure loose outdoor items – It’ll be a windy one, so make sure your patio chairs, trash cans, and decorations aren’t going anywhere.
Drive carefully – Wet roads + gusty winds = a messy commute. Take it slow, especially Friday morning.
Check the latest forecast – While this isn’t a major storm, conditions can change fast. Stay updated!
Once Friday’s rain moves out, we’re in for a beautiful weekend.
- Saturday & Sunday: Plenty of sunshine, with highs in the upper 60s to low 70s.
- No major storms on the radar, so enjoy the break!
