RALEIGH — A more active weather pattern is developing across North Carolina Sunday, with partly to mostly cloudy skies giving way to scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms as a front moves through, bringing the risk of heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and localized flash flooding to communities including Wilmington, Fayetteville, and Goldsboro.
Cooler Highs With Morning Shower Chances
Sunday’s high temperatures are running slightly cooler across North Carolina, generally falling in the 80s and low 90s for most areas rather than the triple-digit heat seen earlier in the week. A few passing morning showers or storms are possible, though most of the state should stay dry through the early hours.
Wilmington and Leland are forecast to reach 94 degrees, among the warmest spots in the state, while Goldsboro climbs to 92 and Kinston reaches 91. Cooler conditions prevail across the mountains, with Sparta topping out at 78 degrees and Boone and Banner Elk both in the low 70s.
Afternoon Front Brings Scattered Storms
As the day’s heating combines with an approaching front, scattered showers and thunderstorms become likely across North Carolina during the afternoon and evening hours. Forecasters say the main threats with these storms will be heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and the risk of flash flooding if enough rain accumulates in a short period.
Areas expected to see some of the more active storm development include St. Pauls, Clinton, Wallace, and Jacksonville, where afternoon highs in the low 90s will help fuel stronger convection ahead of the frontal passage.
What Residents Should Expect
With the combination of daytime heating and an approaching front, North Carolina residents should stay alert for rapidly developing storms Sunday afternoon and evening, particularly in areas prone to ponding or poor drainage where flash flooding could develop quickly if heavy rain rates persist…