NORTH CAROLINA — It is already hot and humid across North Carolina this Friday morning, with most areas sitting in the 80s and low 90s before the afternoon heating even begins. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop mainly after 3 PM and continue through the evening and early overnight hours.
While not everyone will see storms given the hit-or-miss scattered nature of the coverage, a limited severe risk is in place and a couple of stronger storms capable of damaging wind gusts cannot be ruled out.
Storms Fire After 3 PM With Greatest Coverage Across Central North Carolina
Storm development is expected to begin in earnest after 3 PM Friday, driven by the combination of intense afternoon heating and a front in the area. The greatest storm coverage through the afternoon and evening hours will be concentrated across the central portion of the state, with activity spreading and becoming more scattered through the evening.
The simulated radar sequence shows storm activity present at 5 PM, continuing and evolving through 8 PM and 10 PM, with lingering activity still possible near midnight Saturday across portions of the state.
Damaging Wind Gusts Are the Main Severe Threat
While most storms will be garden-variety afternoon thunderstorms, the combination of extensive heating and the frontal boundary means a couple of stronger to potentially severe storms cannot be ruled out. Damaging wind gusts are identified as the primary severe threat from any storm that becomes more intense during the afternoon and evening hours…