North Carolina Forecast: Level 2 risk for flooding makes Saturday a WRAL Weather Alert Day

Our Memorial Day weekend forecast is looking less and less promising, with at least two days of rain in the forecast.

A Level 2 risk for flooding on Saturday, likely to be the wettest day of the weekend, means it will be a WRAL Weather Alert Day. At least 2 inches of rain could fall Saturday. The weekend rain arrives Friday night. Before that, the remainder of the work week will stay mainly dry, with no rain in the forecast during the day Thursday or Friday. Memorial Day weekend looks like it will be wet and cool, with rain arriving for most people Friday night. There is a 20% chance for rain on Friday, especially later in the day for our southern counties.

The weather doesn't look good for the beach or mountains, either. Saturday and Sunday is when we'll most likely see rain. There is a 70% chance for rain both days. Saturday will also be unusually cool, with a high in the low to mid 60s.

Saturday is a WRAL Weather Alert Day, with the Triangle and areas to the south under a Level 2 flood risk. Counties north of the Triangle are under a Level 1 flood risk.

There is no risk for severe storms at this time, although isolated thunderstorms will be possible.

"We are not expecting severe storms in the way of tornadoes, hail, etc.," said WRAL meteorologist Anthony Baglione. "However, with the potential for all-day rain, breezy conditions, and a medium chance of flooding, a WRAL Weather Alert Day is now out for Saturday." It definitely won't be a beach or pool day, and some weekend events, like the Memorial Balloon Festival, have been postponed.

Sunday will be just a tad drier than Saturday but still very wet.

On Memorial Day itself, our system will mainly be on the way out, but we could still see scattered showers and storms. It will not be a washout for any plans.

"Monday looks like the best day of the weekend no matter where you are," said WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner. Rip currents will be very likely at North Carolina beaches this weekend. Everyone should stay out of the water if the red flags are flying.

Wind gusts at the coast will be 25 to 35 mph, with some 50 mph gusts possible offshore. According to WRAL meteorologists, wave heights could exceed 10 feet, and the surf will be very rough.

If you're insistent on a beach weekend, there is a 60% chance for rain Friday and a 70% chance for Saturday.

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