What will weather be like at Canes watch parties? The weekend’s forecast
Carolina Hurricanes fans with outdoor watch party plans for Sunday can expect high heat and a rude reminder that summer is but a week away. Even worse: the triple-digit heat may come with rain.
The National Weather Service’s Raleigh office issued a heat advisory for Wake, Durham, Orange, Johnston and Chatham counties from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.
The NWS expects heat index values from 102 to 108, warning that the heat and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
The Triangle could also see isolated to scattered thunderstorms Sunday afternoon with a risk of damaging, straight-line winds, according to the NWS’ hazardous weather outlook.
What does the weather mean for watch parties?
The NWS currently forecasts the heat index to peak at 105 degrees around midday Sunday. Raleigh is also expected to see a tenth to a quarter of an inch of rain Sunday.
The Hurricanes will play the Vegas Golden Knights at 8 p.m. ET Sunday with a chance to win the Stanley Cup. The heat index will still be in the high 90s and low 100s a few hours before falling into the low 90s by puck drop, but humidity will rise to 67% by 9 p.m., according to the NWS.
A couple of hours before the game, rain has a 45% chance of falling in Raleigh, according to the NWS. From puck drop onward, there’s a 50% chance of rain.
If you’re at a watch party, the NWS recommends staying hydrated with plenty of fluids. If you hear thunder, retreat to a safe space — under cover or inside, if possible.
This story was originally published June 13, 2026 at 2:43 PM.
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