Raleigh, get ready for a weather rollercoaster. After a scorching Monday, a surge of strong, fast-moving thunderstorms is expected Tuesday afternoon, potentially bringing gusty winds, hail, and heavy downpours. If you’re planning events leading up to the holiday weekend, this stormy surge could rewrite your plans.
What’s Brewing Above Us
A warm, humid air mass is colliding with a slow-approaching cold front, triggering atmospheric instability. The result? Expect showers and isolated thunderstorms starting Tuesday afternoon, with a sharper punch of heavy rain and wind by evening . Some storms may become strong enough to produce small hail, gusts, and flash flooding in low spots.
The Week at a Glance
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Monday delivered the heat—highs neared 93°F with a muggy feel, but only scattered afternoon showers.
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Tuesday is the big concern: afternoon into evening brings a 40–70% chance of storms, some packing a punch. Expect rainfall totals around 1–2 inches, enough to create slick roads and localized flooding
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Wednesday eases off, but showers and storms may linger in the afternoon before calmer weather moves in.
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Thursday through Sunday, however, looks mostly sunny and dry—perfect for holiday cookouts, fireworks, and outdoor fun.
What You Should Do
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Secure your plans: Move any outdoor events on Tuesday afternoon indoors or have a backup ready.
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Stay storm-aware: Keep weather apps on and charged—especially Tuesday afternoon, when storms can develop fast.
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Use caution outdoors: Lightning, hail, and gusty winds are possible—don’t take that picnic lightly.
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Flood-smart commuting: Flash flooding may appear unexpectedly. Avoid flooded roads—which can be deceptively deep.
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Prepare your home: Bring in patio furniture, umbrellas, or anything light that strong gusts could blow away.
Why It Matters Beyond the Storm
These storms act like a natural reset—knocking down the intense humidity and sizzling heat ahead of July 4. Once they subsist, they open the window for a bright, comfortable holiday weekend. But skip the alert, and you might find yourself drenched, cancelled, or stuck in traffic just before celebrations begin.
