Raleigh breaking news and weather, Raleigh North Carolina news today, WRAL 7-day forecasts, NC lottery updates. WRAL news in Raleigh, NC.

WRAL.com

A high pressure system to the South has brought a significant spike in temperatues as we hop into the Easter weekend.



Summer-like temperatures are here, bringing sweet start to Easter weekend

Good morning. I'm meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner. Temperatures are on the warm up for today. Our winds will begin to come out of the south and that warm air coming into our area brings our temperatures up about 10 degrees compared to yesterday. 83 in Raleigh, Durham and in Fayetteville. It's going to be a beautiful day. Our humidity stays low. We'll still have high pollen counts, so if that bothers you, then there is still that. But other than that, things are just looking lovely. We do turn hot over the holiday weekend. As a matter of fact, Easter could be um the 3rd hottest on record at RDU. Take a look at the WL Gardens. Alison Breedlove sent us this photo, just beautiful. The gardens are in full bloom, looking gorgeous. And, um, here's a little inside tip. We are opening a new section of the gardens, and there's a ribbon cutting ceremony at 12:30. So if you have time, come on by. I know a lot of folks are off today. Uh, we would love to see you. Snap some pictures, send them to us. Go to WRL.com/reportit and uh send us what you have happening, especially some of your lovely Easter photos, we would really love to see. Our next big weather maker is a high pressure. System that is going to be situated just to our south and east. High pressure systems rotate clockwise. That high is drawing up the warm air from the south, and that is what's going to warm things up for us so much over the weekend. Watch how the temperatures, uh, the colors change from like yellow into those darker reds and oranges. Temperatures are going to climb into the upper 80s for Saturday and Sunday. 89 Saturday, the record is 93 for Saturday, so not too far from records. Probably not going to set a record, but it's going to be unseized. warm. So again, Saturday 89, and that record high is 93 for Saturday. Sunday 88, 88 would bring us the third hottest Easter on record at RDU. It should be pleasantly cool in the morning if you're headed out to an Easter sunrise service. Morning lows will be in the low 60s. And we take a look at how long the warmth sticks around, maybe through the end of the month and possibly beyond. Our next big weather maker comes next week starting on Tuesday. We'll have another cold front that could bring us our next best chance for rain.

WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast

Possible record highs for the Easter weekend 4/19-4/20

Raleigh paralegal charged with drug possession, accused of smuggling drugs into NC prisons

Katelin Rey mug

WRAL Azalea Gardens expansion opens to the public Friday

WRAL Azalea Gardens bridge expansion

Imposter drunk on hubris tries to steal 8,000 bottles of Triangle-based tequila at US-Mexico border

Sabor del Sol management

UNC freshman charged with breaking into NC State student apartments and stealing granola bars

Luke Matthew Wilkinson

Wilson cemeteries targeted by thieves: Flower arrangements stolen, community on alert

A file photo of flowers at a gravesite.

Liquor license for StarBar suspended after investigation, ALE says

Starbar in Raleigh

WRAL News+

WRAL News+ Live Thumbnail

Zebulon Town Manager Gilbert Todd, Jr. stepped down during Thursday's Board of Commissioners work session.


Zebulon town manager resigns citing 'serious personnel matter'

Gilbert Todd, Jr.

A family in Wake County is searching for answers Thursday after they say someone shot their cat nearly a week earlier in Raleigh.


'Broke down crying': Raleigh family's cat fighting for his life after being shot

Henry the cat

Triangle Food Guy Sean Lennard has details about new restaurants opening in the area, plus some food festivals happening this month.


Foodie News: Cuegrass, Brewgaloo and more festivals ahead

Festivals in NC: Brewgaloo 2014

Those hitting the road for this holiday weekend are in luck. Gas prices are trending downward and North Carolina is well below the national average.


Gas prices are trending downward, just in time for holiday travel

Gas, Gas pump, gas prices, rising gas prices, inflation 

Former Durham Deputy Police Chief Shari Montgomery has filed federal discrimination and retaliation charges against the city, alleging unfair treatment that led to her dismissal.


Former Durham deputy chief files discrimination claim against city

Durham Police Department

Harnett County officials are set to debate the fluoridation process in the local water supply, raising questions about its benefits and risks. Their discussion comes as debate over the benefits and risks of fluoride emerges nationwide. 


Harnett County leaders to discuss benefits, risks of fluoridation in water supply

Water coming out of a faucet at a kitchen sink

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) â Students dropped off balloons, candles and teddy bears at a memorial Friday morning near Florida State University's student union where a 20-year-old opened fire, killing two men and wounding six others.

Students at Florida State gather at memorials, prepare to retrieve belongings after deadly shooting

Florida_State_Shooter_87265

A 27-year-old man is in custody after authorities claimed he kidnapped and sexually assaulted a child whom he met on the popular video game Roblox.



Authorities: Man arrested after luring child through Roblox and sexually assaulting them

Roblox and stock image of a person at a laptop

For the first time, Raleigh Rescue Mission is delivering Easter meals to families in need.


Raleigh Rescue Mission delivers Easter meals to families in need

Raleigh Rescue Mission preps to serve Easter meals to families in need

VATICAN CITY (AP) â Pope Francis visited Rome's central prison Thursday and met with dozens of inmates as he kept an Easter season appointment to spend Holy Thursday among the least fortunate, even as he continues recovering from a life-threatening bout of pneumonia.

A recovering Pope Francis visits Rome prison to keep annual Holy Week appointment

Italy_Pope_Holy_Thursday_81507

View WRAL's latest top news

MIX 101.5 WRAL-FM

95.7 That Station

99.9 The Fan

Brittany Armbruster from Braswell Family Farms in Nashville, NC, shares some natural ways to dye eggs.

Tips to dye your eggs naturally

From collars and toys to treats, counterfeit pet products are flooding the market. Consumer Reports has advice on making sure you're buying the real product, not the copycat.


5 On Your Side: Pet scam products and what to buy instead

Dog and cat

Get ready for a weekend packed with fun and festivities across the Triangle.

Weekend best bets: NC 'Cuegrass Festival, art markets and egg hunts

North Carolina barbecue

A company that makes baby food sold under a Target store brand is recalling more than 25,000 packages of a product because it may contain elevated levels of lead.

Target baby food is recalled over lead contamination

US_Baby_Food_Recall_33314

BETHLEHEM, Pa. (AP) â Love them or hate them, those marshmallow Peeps that come in blindingly bright colors and an array of flavors are inescapable around the Easter holiday.

Go inside the factory where Peeps are made

Making_Peeps_66528

Carolina Hurricanes fans have unique traditions, including the post-win "Storm Surge" celebration at the Lenovo Center and the embrace of the "bunch of jerks" label after a hockey broadcaster's criticism.

Carolina Hurricanes' traditions: 'Storm Surge' postgame celebration, a 'Bunch of Jerks'

A picture of the Lenovo Center on March 9, 2025. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Winnipeg Jets, 4-2.

Don't Miss It

A University of North Carolina student is accused of breaking into two apartments on NC State's campus and stealing granola bars. 

UNC student charged with breaking and entering into NC State student apartments

27-year-old man arrested, charged with sexually assaulting 10-year-old girl he met on Roblox

Stock image of Roblox home screen

Harnett Co. leaders to discuss risks, benefits of fluoride in water

Family distraught after cat shot, faces long recovery

Paralegal charged with smuggling drugs to innates in three prisons 

NC Senate votes to defund Innocence Inquiry Commission

Video Central

WRAL 6am News | April 18

6am Newscast Static

WRAL 9am News | April 18

9am Newscast Static

WRAL Noon News | April 17

12pm Newscast Static

WRAL 4pm News | April 17

4pm Newscast Static

WRAL 6pm News | April 17

6pm Newscast Static

WRAL 10pm News | April 17

10pm Newscast Static

NC Senate wants to cut the state's innocence commission. Its director now pleads with the House

Local News

FDA finds high amounts of dangerous chemicals in some gel nail polish removers

Cumberland County warns residents of fake invoice scam targeting local households

State Senate proposes cuts to funding for advanced placement exams

Triangle business owners voice concerns over Trump's tariffs at Raleigh brewery roundtable

Judge pauses Trump administration's plans for mass layoffs at Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Nation/World

Crews restore power to nearly all customers after island-wide blackout hit Puerto Rico

Deadly US airstrike on Yemeni oil port escalates Trump's campaign against the Houthis

Protest letters from former Israeli soldiers lay bare profound rifts over the ongoing war

Trump says Ukraine-Russia talks 'coming to a head' and 'no one is playing' him in push to end war

Durham will celebrate Major the Bull's 21st birthday on Friday with a family-friendly party in CCB Plaza.


Durham to celebrate Major the Bull Statue's 21st birthday with a family-friendly celebration

Major's Birthday Bash

Bite into Apex, N.C. at one of these restaurants

Apex dining

Where to find the bunny and egg hunts this Easter

WRAL Azalea Gardens

Brewery Bhavana brings garden vibes and a fresh concept to Cary's Fenton

Brewery Bhavana, Fenton 

Chris Brown to bring music tour to Carter-Finley Stadium

Chris Brown is scheduled to bring his "BREEZY BOWL XX" tour to Carter-Finley Stadium on Oct. 14, with JhenÃ© Aiko and Bryson Tiller set to perform.

Guide: Amusement parks within driving distance of Raleigh

File photo of Carowinds

Out & About

Fact check: Trump says China 'made $1 trillion' off trade with US

Politifact

Fact check: Trump administration blames Biden for agriculture trade deficit

Fact check: Democrat says GOP tax cuts are the biggest cause of the federal debt

Fact check: Trump says egg prices are down 50%

Fact check: Trump says automakers are building plants 'at levels we've never seen'

Trump approval falls in North Carolina as voters fret about tariffs' impact on economy

NC Capitol

NC Senate set for budget approval vote 

NC bill would alllow some jackpot winners to stay anonymous

NC House passes bill that would remove challenged books from school libraries

North Carolinians welcome school cellphone bans, balk at bills to loosen gun laws, poll shows

Attorneys question restrictions on North Carolina Central University protests

Education

North Carolina senate proposes cuts to ap test funding 

Five people charged in North Carolina Central protest over student housing

NC Central chancellor: We hear you. University asking for greater investment from state

Sky 5 flies over North Carolina Central University campus where students are protesting for more student housing

Trial for Fayetteville mother accused of murdering children likely won't happen until 2027

WRAL In Depth

NC Gov. Josh Stein outraged by attack on PA governor, focuses on Hurricane Helene recovery

Ask the Meteorologist: Will the reduction of weather balloon launches affect the forecast?

Local man defies cancer odds, advocates for crucial research funding amid NIH cuts

Spring winds break records and spread fire, pollen across NC

South Alabama quarterback Gio Lopez commits to UNC, could be starter in Belichick's first year

WRALSportsFan

Duke QB Darian Mensah talks transfer, transition & Tulane matchup 

Skyler Brind'Amour scores 1st NHL goal as Canes fall to Senators 7-5

NHL playoffs: Hurricanes open playoffs Easter Sunday afternoon vs. Devils

Canadiens wrap up a playoff spot, beating the Hurricanes 4-2

Providence Day 4-star WR Gordon Sellars commits to Clemson

HighSchoolOT

Here are the HSOT Honors Winter Sports Award winners for 2024-2025

No. 9 Green Level comes from behind to stun No. 3 Apex

Livengood continues dominant senior year with do-it-all win at Heritage

No. 21 Southern Nash continues unbeaten season with blowout win

Avantae Deven's murder trial is likely a couple years out. Cumberland County District Attorney Billy West is predicting 2027.

WRAL Investigates the timeline of Fayetteville mother's murder trial

Data from the SERCC provides a way for WRAL meteorologists to provide context to the weather on any given day.

Weather data site offline after federal funding cuts

Southeast Regional Climate Center or SERCC offline

Data from the SERCC provides a way for WRAL meteorologists to provide context to the weather on any given day. 

Funding lapsed: Key weather data source is offline and its future is in doubt

The North Carolina Senate's budget proposal goes to the floor for debate among the full chamber.

Teacher raises, tax cuts and a state-level DOGE program are all in the budget plan Senate Republicans plan to pass

A Senate bill would allow winners of more than $5 million to claim it without identifying themselves publicly, while a House version would allow any winner to remain anonymous.

NC bill would allow lottery winners to claim some jackpots anonymously

North Carolina lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow jackpot winners of $1 million or more to claim their prizes without revealing their identities. Currently, that only applies to winners of $50 million or more.

Advocacy groups will meet Wednesday at the North Carolina State Capitol to call on lawmakers to reject a proposal for new concealed carry laws.


'It's dangerous:' Moms, advocates reject changes to NC's concealed carry laws

WRAL Specialists

IRS gives North Carolina taxpayers more time to file and pay

Shop sales, alternate cuts to save on soaring cost of meat

Recall: Baby swing a suffocation risk

5 On Your Side

Former Warrenton police officer federally charged with stunning multiple unarmed people with Taser

'A real problem': Garner neighbors frustrated over decades-long abandoned home

Man who assaulted police officer, chaplain, sentenced to less than a year in prison

WRAL Investigates why a repeat felon is walking free in just a few months.

Investigations

Donald Thompson: Why every CEO should rethink the CMO role -- right now

Guest column: Startup Week showcases North Carolina's leadership in healthcare innovation

Walden: What is the endgame in Trump's tariff war?

Jes Averhart: Don't let Meghan Markle trigger you

WRAL TechWire

Google's digital ad network declared an illegal monopoly, joining its search engine in penalty box

Powell says Federal Reserve can wait on any interest rate moves

Trump administration plans to end the IRS Direct File program for free tax filing, AP sources say

Most US stocks rise, but UnitedHealth's worst day in decades keeps Wall Street in check

Business

Powerball

Mega Millions

Cash 5

Family

Learn new languages, job skills: Wake County library cardholders have access to free online classes

Experts recommend: No social media before 8th grade

Go Ask Dad: Nurses by training, angels by nature

Switched at birth: Senior citizen sues over mistake made decades ago

Amazon deals: Lee Men's Cargo Shorts only $15 (57% off), Hanes Women's Ankle Socks 6 pack only $8.16 (55% off), Rechargeable Toothbrush Set only $7.99 w/coupon

SmartShopper

Walmart Deals: Car Battery Jump Starter only $32.99 (reg. $89), Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls 6 pack set with lids only $19.99, Shark Navigator Vacuum only $119 (reg. $239)