Thunderstorms are forecasted to bring rain and severe weather risks to North Carolina as the state gears up for the Memorial Day weekend. The weather is expected to change significantly, starting with scattered thunderstorms overnight Tuesday. These storms have been developing over the past few days and are predicted to reach the region by early Wednesday morning.
Chief Meteorologist Lainey Pope noted that while the day started sunny and pleasant, the arrival of the storms could bring isolated severe weather conditions. The overnight storms may be accompanied by heavy rain and possibly strong wind gusts, but the most intense weather is anticipated to remain to the west, affecting parts of Tennessee and western North Carolina.
As temperatures warm up on Wednesday, expected to rise into the mid-80s, a shift to drier air is also anticipated heading into the holiday weekend. Although the area is under a marginal risk for severe weather, forecasters are hopeful that the most severe effects will be minimal, particularly if storms remain to the south.
Following the storms, cooler temperatures are expected, with highs in the 70s and lows dipping into the 40s for Friday and Saturday mornings. The holiday weekend is likely to be mild, with pleasant weather predicted, although there may be a few showers or isolated thunderstorms as Memorial Day approaches.
Residents are advised to stay informed about potential weather alerts, particularly overnight, and to prepare for the changing conditions. Overall, while thunderstorms may disrupt the start of the weekend, forecasts suggest a return to more favorable weather conditions, allowing for enjoyable outdoor activities during the Memorial Day celebrations.