Slow-moving storms dump rain on Raleigh, head south

"We were hoping that there was going to be some shower and thunderstorm activity staying south and east of Raleigh today, but the dry air didn't quite get as far as we thought it would," said WRAL Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel.

Very strong storms blew across southern Wake County, impacting parts of Holly Springs and Fuquay-Varina, before the weather system moved south into Harnett County shortly after 5 p.m.

Though the storms are strong enough to bring lightning, heavy rain and gusty winds, no severe weather watches or warnings have been issued.

"(There is) nothing severe out of this, but some of these storms could be a little on the gusty side, so be aware of that," said WRAL meteorologist Nate Johnson.

Friday will be nicer with mostly sunny skies, less humidity and a high around 78 degrees.

"(It will be a) very comfortable day tomorrow," Johnson said. "The weekend will get off to a great start, but we start to see the humidity and the chance for thunderstorms return Sunday."

"We're going to kick this stubborn front out of here Thursday evening, but it's going to come rolling back in by Sunday, so we won't get rid of it for long," added WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner. "That summer-like pattern will be back by early next week and stay with us."

High temperatures will be in the low-to-mid 80s early next week, and a chance for afternoon showers and thunderstorms is in the forecast Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.