Soggy conditions now appear likely for North Carolina by the end of this weekend and the start of next week. A slow moving storm system could bring quite a bit of rain to the state from Sunday through Monday. The highest rain totals over the next several days are expected in western North Carolina where up to 4" of rain are possible. Central and eastern North Carolina could see 1 to 3".
Before the widespread rains arrive, it is a very warm end to the week with highs well into the 80s for Friday afternoon. A few locations around the Sandhills and southeastern North Carolin may even hit 90. Much of the state will be dry all day Friday, but an approaching front could spark a few scattered storms by Friday evening around the Triangle, Triad, and western North Carolina.
Scattered storms will again be possible in western and central North Carolina Saturday afternoon. A few of the storms late Friday and Saturday will have the potential to be strong with locally heavy downpours, frequent lightning, and powerful wind gusts.
Low pressure moving into the Carolinas will bring the more widespread showers and storms Sunday afternoon and night. The latest weather data suggests that system will be slowing down as it moves through the region. That will allow the rain to continue off and on through Monday.
The rain will be a welcome sight in the western half of North Carolina where drought conditions have been expanding over the last several weeks. However, the heavy downpours could lead to isolated flooding in poor drainage areas.
For weather updates through the weekend, check in for our Weather on the 1s updates on Spectrum News.