RALEIGH, N.C. -- This will be the seventh week in a row that rain has fallen in central North Carolina on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. This weekend most of the area should see at least one to two inches of rain with the highest chances coming late Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
Before the weekend officially arrives, Friday will be a partly sunny day. Just a few isolated showers or storms are possible in the afternoon. Highs will warm to the mid 80s.
Saturday will bring a mostly cloudy day. There is just a small chance for isolated showers around any morning college graduation ceremonies including commencement at NC State which is already scheduled to be held inside at PNC Arena. The highest chance for rain Saturday will come from late afternoon through the night.
A few lingering showers are possible into Sunday morning. That could impact outdoor graduation ceremonies scheduled at UNC and Duke.
More widespread showers and storms are then expected Sunday afternoon and evening. Some of the storms Mother's Day afternoon could be strong. The Storm Prediction Center has outlined most of the area for a level one to two risk for a few severe storms.
In addition to heavy downpours and frequent lightning, some of the storms Sunday afternoon could produce damaging wind gusts.
The nearly stationary front near the Carolinas this weekend may bring the chance for a few more showers and storms for Monday. The rest of next week looks dry at this point.
