Raleigh, NC – A damp, muted start to the Thanksgiving travel rush has settled over the Triangle today, with steady November rain, slick roads, and increasing congestion shaping the morning for thousands heading onto regional highways and toward Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Light showers, lingering cloud cover, and reduced visibility are already contributing to slower conditions, prompting early travelers to adjust plans and prepare for delays across the region.
The National Weather Service in Raleigh noted that scattered showers would continue through midday before the cloud deck becomes more broken, though pockets of drizzle may still linger in spots. With many families beginning their Thanksgiving holiday travel today, the combination of wet pavement and busy roads is setting the tone for a cautious and slower commute.
Rain-Cooled Roads Slowing Early Morning Traffic
Light, persistent rainfall created a wet glaze on major commuter routes including I-40, US-1, and the I-440 Beltline, with speeds dropping during peak morning activity. Even with light winds in place, brief dips in visibility have been reported in areas around Cary, Northeast Raleigh, and pockets near Wake Forest.
Morning travelers are urged to:
- Allow extra time before merging into heavier corridors
- Keep headlights on even during lighter rain
- Plan ahead for longer lines at RDU airport drop-off zones
Local travel agencies and airport staff expect increased movement through late morning as early fliers attempt to get ahead of possible weather-related slowdowns.
Drainage Issues Affecting Neighborhood Corridors
The North Carolina Department of Transportation reminds drivers that clogged storm drains remain a recurring challenge across Wake County. Fallen leaves from recent wind events continue to collect in roadside channels, creating spots of ponding during heavier bursts of rain.
NCDOT crews have been clearing debris since early morning, especially in southeast Raleigh neighborhoods where older curb systems tend to block more easily. Still, officials caution that drivers should slow down near known low-lying areas and be prepared for sudden water buildup.
More Showers Possible Friday
Though the heaviest rain is expected to taper today, another weak disturbance sliding east could bring additional light showers on Friday, timing that may overlap with the start of extended Thanksgiving road trips.
Forecasters say the rain won’t be widespread or severe, but even intermittent drizzle could tighten traffic patterns on regional interstates and complicate afternoon airport schedules. For those heading north toward Virginia, cooler air may sharpen temperature gradients enough to spark early-season flurries far outside central North Carolina.
Cooling Trend Builds Into Early Week
While the Triangle won’t see any winter precipitation from this pattern, a subtle cooler push is expected Sunday into Monday. This shift will sweep in drier air, dropping temperatures and creating a crisp feel heading into Thanksgiving week.
Forecasters say the change won’t be dramatic, but residents should prepare for coats and warmer layers during the morning hours.
A meteorologist at the Raleigh NWS office noted in a briefing:
“This isn’t a winter storm pattern for North Carolina, but it does signal the first hints of late-fall cooling that become more common as we close November.”
Weekend Conditions Support Yardwork and Holiday Prep
Despite intermittent showers, the overall weekend remains workable for outdoor plans. Many residents planning to begin holiday decorating or catching up on yard cleanup will find breezy but manageable conditions between rain pockets. Saturday may bring a slower start with showers in some areas, but Sunday looks clearer and more comfortable for outdoor errands.
Five-Day Raleigh Forecast
Sat: 73/52 – Chance of showers; slower travel early.
Sun: 67/40 – Mostly sunny; cooler breezes.
Mon: 69/41 – Mostly sunny; crisp air returning.
Tue: 67/40 – Partly sunny; lighter winds.
Wed: 70/42 – Mild, dry, and favourable for Thanksgiving travel.
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