Strong to severe storms and isolated flooding likely Tuesday

By WRAL Weather

Raleigh, N.C. — Strong to severe storms and isolated flooding are likely Tuesday before a pattern of cooler fall air sets in for the first days of October.

Some showers are possible southeast of Raleigh throughout Tuesday morning, but the Triangle will see mostly fog and drizzle.

By Tuesday evening, storm chances increase. According to WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner, strong storms could move in as early as 6 or 7 p.m.

“You may need your umbrella on and off all day, but the real event comes around dinnertime,” Gardner said.

The entire viewing area is under a Level 1 threat for severe weather, and isolated flooding, heavy downpours and damaging winds are all possible.

Gardner said the threat for severe weather weakens before midnight.

Temperatures will be in the low 80s on Tuesday, but highs will drop into the low 70s for Wednesday. Gardner said some rain could linger early Wednesday morning, but the sun will be out by 7 a.m.

Wednesday will be mostly dry and sunny. The humidity will be lower, making for a brisk fall day.

“It will be a beautiful day,” Gardner said.

While Tuesday will see the greatest risk for severe weather, both Tuesday and Wednesday will see a chance for flash flooding.

Over the next several days, up to 2 inches of rain could fall.

Temperatures dip even more for Thursday, Friday and the weekend, which will be sunny and brisk. Highs will remain in the low 70s for Thursday and Friday but will drop into the mid 60s for Saturday and Sunday.

Although elevated dew points could make the air feel steamy and summer-like again, the Climate Prediction Center’s temperature outlook for Sep. 29 through Oct. 5 shows overall below-normal temperatures for North Carolina.

Although elevated dew points could make the air feel steamy and summer-like again, the Climate Prediction Center’s temperature outlook for Sep. 29 through Oct. 5 shows overall below-normal temperatures for North Carolina.