Level 1, 2 risk: Damaging winds, hail and isolated tornadoes possible after lunchtime

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— Level 1 and Level 2 risks for severe weather are in place across North Carolina for Thursday afternoon and evening, but the first half of the day will be mostly quiet.

Rain was moving into Wake County at 7 a.m., and scattered showers will be likely throughout the morning. Isolated storms will be possible before noon, but the bulk of the activity will come after lunchtime.

“We’ll see isolated showers for the morning commute, but right now nothing is looking widespread,” WRAL meteorologist Zach Maloch said. “The better chance for rain and storms will be between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. with the severe potential as well.”

Severe Risk Breakdown

Much of central N.C. is under a Level 1 or a Level 2 risk, with a greater risk for storms east of the Triangle. Scattered severe storms with damaging winds, hail and isolated tornadoes will be likely, but they shouldn’t be widespread.

WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner said the tornado risk is greatest toward the coast.

“We could see some straight line winds, but or tornado risk is isolated in the viewing area,” she said.

Temperatures will be warm on Thursday, in the mid 70s. Overnight, conditions will become drier, and lows will drop into the 40s.

Friday will be a cooler day, with highs in the mid 60s. It will be a pleasant but breezy day to get outdoors, with mostly sunny skies and wind gusts up to 30 mph.

Temperatures April 7-11, 2022

Saturday will become cooler and partly cloudy, “not as breezy, but it will be a chilly spring day,” Maloch explained. Highs may not make it out of the 50s, and a stray sprinkle or shower will be possible during the daytime hours, but the day will be dry overall.

Cold nights ahead April 8-11, 2022

Some patchy frost will be possible overnight into Sunday morning. Sunday will be a dry day with a high around 60 degrees.

7-Day Forecast

The first half of the new work week is already looking warmer than the weekend, with highs in the upper 70s and low 80s.