Strong to severe storms move in after lunchtime, damaging winds possible

By Elizabeth Gardner, WRAL meteorologist

Scattered thunderstorms and rain showers will move across the Triangle on Thursday, according to WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner.

Partly cloudy skies and some showers in the morning will give way to rain and storms in the afternoon and evening, some of which could be strong to severe.

Storms will move into the Sandhills first before making their way into the Triangle. According to Gardner, some storms are possible in the Triangle around noon, but most will happen closer to 3 or 4 p.m.

The entire viewing area is under a level 1 risk for severe weather, with the greatest threat being strong winds. Gardner said there will not be many strong storms; rather, there will be small “pop-up” storms and rain throughout the afternoon.

Temperatures will top off in the mid 80s across central North Carolina.

Friday and the weekend will be dry with more sunshine and temperatures in the lower 90s. Saturday will be the hottest day, with a high around 93 degrees.