RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Severe weather is expected Tuesday night, so the CBS 17 storm team has issued an ALERT DAY.

A severe thunderstorm watch was issued just after 4 p.m. Tuesday for areas of Wake County north and east until 10 p.m.

The threat of severe weather Tuesday comes as a cold front approaches our area late Tuesday night into early Wednesday.

Most of the day Tuesday will be dry, warmer, and a little more muggy but it’s after 4 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon that storms will develop. Storms will continue northwest to southeast through the overnight hours.

The most likely threats include heavy rain, lightning, damaging wind, and large hail. The threat of an isolated tornado is low, but a few can’t be ruled out in areas north and west of Raleigh where there is a ‘Slight Risk’ of severe storms.

Most of central North Carolina is under a marginal and slight risk of severe weather, which is a level one and two on the severe weather threat scale. Damaging straight-line winds and hail are the highest threats.

Highs on Tuesday in the mid-80s along with higher humidity will give the atmosphere enough energy and fuel to produce strong storms later in the day.

After the cold front Tuesday night into Wednesday morning drier and cooler weather is expected for the rest of this week.

Please stay tuned to CBS 17 for more updates on this severe weather alert day Tuesday.